Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Roimh bhriseadh Lá le Pádraig, bhí díospóireacht againn a bhain leis an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge agus cuireadh an díospóireacht sin ar athló agus bhíomar buíoch as sin ag an am. An bhfuil an Ceannaire in ann insint dúinn cén uair an mbeidh an chuid eile den díospóireacht sin againn? The debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Dinny McGinley, on the 20 year strategy was held around St. Patrick's Day during seachtain na Gaeilge and was adjourned, not concluded. When does the Leader intend to address the issue in order that the Minister of State can come back to the House to finish it?

We have seen changes in rural life in recent years. People say there has often been a clash between environmental and sustenance issues in rural areas. Turf cutting is an example and the latest to come to the fore is seaweed cutting on the shoreline. Owing to environmental issues, it seems anyone who has not been involved in seaweed cutting on the shoreline must apply for a licence or he or she will not be allowed to cut seaweed in an area subject to an environmental designation. This also applies in the case of shellfish. It would, therefore, be useful to have a debate with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government or one of the Ministers of State in that Department to examine the impact of environmental designations in rural areas. In some cases, designations are put to one side when we see windfarms being developed in idyllic scenic areas. If there are other large-scale developments, councils look in the other direction when it comes to projects in special areas of conservation. We have seen the redesignation of such areas. In Connemara 90% of the landmass is included in a SAC or a NHA, which has massive implications for local communities. A debate on the impact of environmental designations in rural areas would be welcome, during which we could introduce a number of issues. Bheadh fáilte againn roimh sin.