Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We support amendments Nos. 45 and 46. They are reasonable measures. Amendment No. 46 ensures that bogs subject to agreement with turf cutters will be protected and that we utilise peat to heat homes while allowing it to regenerate and continue its role in carbon sequestration. The terms of the regulation will largely be at the Minister's discretion. This will create a clear path to show the EU that we are in compliance with the habitats directive. I welcome the limitations on commercial turf cutting, particularly given the recent High Court decision to revoke regulations in that regard.