Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to indicate that for the sites that are staying as NHAs or for new NHAs, we would not envisage any turf cutting, including for household use. That would not impact on the site. The non-designated sites are outside our remit. We could bring that up with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. The amendments relate to a definition of "household use" but the purpose of what we are enacting is to continue the process of engagement with the stakeholders to address the needs of turf cutters through the various processes such as relocation, de-designation and through the long-term payments that have been made for a long period. That is how we are accommodating and preserving the bogs that we intend to preserve and allowing for the de-designation of those that are beyond restoration or use.

In relation to sequestration, those are discussions that are going on as part of the new round of the Common Agricultural Policy and we must wait to see what happens in that regard. I believe there will be a greater emphasis on carbon as part of that. I do not know whether it will be in relation to payments for bogs, increased planting areas or increased levels of biodiversity within permanent pastures. The discussions are ongoing. I do not believe there is a need for the amendment as outlined by the Senator.