John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to have an opportunity to contribute to this discourse in the Seanad. I am a bog man. I am from the heart of the bog in the midlands and I am glad to say it. Like many of my neighbours and friends when I was growing up, I spent the summer months helping to stack turf and draw it home. It is something more than home heating and fuel. It is not about money in many cases because it is a strong and proud tradition handed down. People enjoy it and it is a great and healthy way of getting out. Then and now, people who like the bog and cutting turf also have a great regard for the environment, nature and wildlife. They do not easily or lightly desecrate the landscape.

I commend the Minister because he has done in two years what others failed to do or address in 20 years. Credit needs to be given where it is due. While this is not to score political points, previous Governments contained people who claimed to care for the environment and future generations, but knowing it is a thorny issue, they left this ball to be kicked around the square and put this issue on the long finger in order that it would fall to someone else to grasp the nettle and deal with it. We cannot blame the EU and Europe for everything, with no disrespect. We do not mind putting our hand out for direct payments, REPS and regional infrastructural funding. Economic and financial transfers to the country run to billions of euros. We have a responsibility, therefore, as Irish and EU citizens, to uphold our commitment to the environment and the broader community. The same applies with regard to water conservation and the security of a safe water supply.

The Minister referred to septic tanks, and this is another issue which was left as a time-bomb and landmine for the Government. The Minister, Deputy Phil Hogan, deserves super credit for the manner in which he has addressed it. The majority of people, more than 90%, have registered their septic tanks, and where they are found to be faulty and contaminating water courses, an 80% grant is available from the Government to assist in resolving the problem. Others in the Dáil screamed blue murder, stating there would be consternation and Armageddon and that it could not be done. This was a problem left lying around for 20 years.

Where there is a will there is a way to solve these problems, such as in Clara where the Offaly turf cutters have accepted relocation. We must respect and recognise, however, that in other places, such as Coolrain in the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Laois, turf cutters have been put out and there is no obvious available alternative bog. They are not inclined to go for the financial compensation package, although I honestly believe it is extremely fair and generous. It is not always about money and people prize their traditional turbary rights. As the Minister stated, it needs to be reiterated that people are not forgoing their land or ownership and it is important to note this.

Prior to the previous general election in February 2011, I attended a meeting of turf cutters in the Bridge House in Tullamore. Some people there would not be satisfied or happy no matter what was offered to them. Senator Kelly is correct that we must ensure people do not lose their livelihood unfairly after investing tens of thousands of euro in expensive machinery, but people at that meeting were jeering and sneering and suggesting National Parks and Wildlife Service rangers should be thrown into bog holes. One person suggested to rousing cheers that the staff should be shot, and some of them were egged on by candidates contesting the general election. This type of conduct and language is not acceptable. People should step away from it and not support this type of blackguarding because there is a reasonable solution for everyone if they were minded to find one. I commend the Minister on his work and I ask him to keep with it.