Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That goes without saying. The compensation package is generous. People receive a certain amount per year, a down payment, turf deliveries and so on. Thousands have accepted it, although there are difficulties on a limited number of bogs. As Senator Sean D. Barrett stated, we are somewhat bedevilled. The European Union valued our lands more highly than we did. Slowly but surely, however, we have come to realise the worth of their preservation and enhancement. As the Minister stressed, people will not lose ownership rights. There is no fear in that regard. People want to respect the law. Slowly but surely, however, the realisation is dawning and the number cutting in the protected areas has halved in the past year, which is good.

The Minister has a "can do" attitude and is a man of dialogue. His door is open and we will see further progress. I commend him and his officials, one or two of whom I know. The blackguarding they suffered while doing their duty in upholding the law was shocking.

I commend Mr. Justice John Quirke's work at the peatlands forum, the report of which was accepted by the Minister and his Department. A national raised bog SAC management plan has been developed. This may unlock some flexibility in respect of the limited number of bogs where significant relocation difficulties are being encountered by those who hold rights. Specialists have been engaged to work on the matter and I look forward to the management plan's publication in November. I hope the number of people who cut on the bogs in question will decline further.

Everything has been said and everyone is trying to be reasonable about the matter. I take some of Senator Lorraine Higgins's points, but I cannot comment on the constitutional issue. Let someone take it to court. If an issue is outstanding, let it be resolved. However, very little, if anything, will be outstanding following publication in November and the further dialogue in which the Minister and his officials are prepared to engage.