Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Sinn Féin is committed to the preservation of our national wildlife and resources, including certain bogs. This issue has been ongoing for a long time and the Minister has been working very hard to try to resolve it. We all know the issue of the 53 bogs has proven very difficult and must be dealt with soon. We have seen trouble in bogs throughout the country. The basis for resolution should be in the motion passed unanimously in the Dáil last year with regard to the plan. How many bogs have been surveyed and found suitable for relocation? With regard to the all-party motion accepted last year on the national plan, which was mentioned by the Minister and other Senators, what parts of the motion have yet to be implemented and what parts must be worked on? Can this be done without the input of the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association, TCCA? The Minister said that people have turned their face, that dialogue is the only way and that his door is open. What interaction has the Minister had with the people to whom he referred? What interaction or dialogue has taken place with the TCCA given its abstention from the Peatlands Council? Has other interaction or dialogue taking place? What is being done to meet its concerns? Has its abstention from the council precluded interface or dialogue?