Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The concern is that I hoped to have consistency between those who have been relocated to a bog and those who may have an abeyance but where turbary rights exist. The Department's business is to protect those bogs but in terms of the decision as to whether a bog can continue to be protected, the Minister of State indicated that he will consider economic, social and cultural matters, as well as sporting and recreational needs. I wish he State had not made this concession to his colleagues, particularly in light of their incredible disregard for these matters in pushing through what will go down as almost an historically disgraceful amendment.