Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate Senator Byrne's bona fides on this matter. It is quite unusual for him to come forward with a very constructive approach, certainly when I come to the House. I appreciate that he is seeking a solution to this matter. I will undertake to examine it legally and see what we can do to allay the concerns. There will be 40 councillors and I am sure Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will have a number of them to ensure that these lands at Loyd remain for the benefit of the people of Kells and the municipal district of Kells for many years to come and that they will not be supportive of motions to sell some of the gold and silver of Kells for the purposes of dealing with any financial difficulties that might arise or to fill a financial black hole in County Meath. I appreciate the Senator's genuine intent on this matter and I undertake to have the officials in the Department look at it in advance of the legislation coming before the House.