Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I understand the Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Heather Humphreys, reported to Cabinet yesterday that there was large-scale compliance with the habitats directive regarding turf cutting on bogs, particularly in the west of Ireland. From media reports I understand she indicated a current compliance rate of 80%. This figure has been disputed by the newly elected Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice, who has represented the turf cutters for a number of years. He pointed out that only 1,500 out of 9,000 turf cutters were in compliance. He said that while his group was prepared to sit down with the Minister, if the Government continued to drive the issue he would continue to oppose it. This raises fundamental questions over Ireland's position on the EU habitats directive. It comes in the wake of an incident mentioned by our colleague, the Seanad Government Whip, who referred to the death of a hen harrier in Kerry, which, I now understand from media reports, may have been shot accidentally rather than deliberately, which may be of some comfort. As a result of that incident, it has been reported that 6% of the land of Ireland is reserved for the protection of wild bird species, raptors, as they are called. This is having a detrimental effect on the valuations of farms, particularly in half a dozen counties. Some farmers and farming organisations have referred to this running to several hundred million euro. I ask for the Ministe to come before the House to outline what has been going on in the area of the EU habitats directive and Ireland's role in it. It has been pointed out that we are liable for fines of up to €12 million a year, yet Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice has pointed out that Ireland has not paid one cent in fines so far. The habitats directive has caused enormous problems in the agriculture sector for a large number of years. I believe it is time to have a debate on the matter. The Minister could air her views on the habitats directive, specifically as it affects the turf-cutting issue, which will not go away. I, therefore, call on her to come before the House to discuss this urgent matter without delay.