Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I strongly agree with Senator Bacik in commending the Heritage Council on its work. Its briefing is well worth a visit for all of the reasons the Senator outlined. It dealt with a very important issue which I have spoken about previously, the extension of the burning date to 15 April. We are out of line with the North and our colleagues across the water and we should make strong representations to the Minister, Deputy Heather Humphreys, in this regard. Members will be aware that there were serious fires in Killarney which wiped out many mountain tops and so forth. We were lucky the national park was not invaded by fire. Fires must be controlled through local knowledge and notification. Please God that will happen, but we must have the burning date extended.

Senator O'Donovan referred to the Legal Services Regulation Bill. I also welcome the fact that it will be debated here today. I accept there has been a huge delay with it but much good work has taken place over the last four years. The Bar Council worked very constructively with the Department and the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, has been very good with the legislation as well. I wish it well today as it is very much in the public interest.