Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. The sums involved are staggering and I would like to thank the Government for making these sums available. Nearly €5 million has been paid in four years in County Roscommon and there are another 11 years to go. I am sick and tired of people out there asking, "What about the turf cutters?". I am very happy that we delivered for them. There are politicians who said from the very beginning that nobody would apply but, five years ago, we told them that 1,000 people had applied. Those politicians then said there would be no money but we said the money was ring-fenced. This is absolute proof that the Government has dealt as best as it could with a very difficult situation. It should be highlighted that this money is going to 1,000 families in counties Roscommon and Galway every year and there are another 11 years to go. Most of those families, thankfully, have a second NHA bog where they can continue to cut turf. This is something that needs to be highlighted. It is good news. Once again, the Government has put its money where its mouth is.