Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

With amendment No. 51, we propose that where rapid acceleration in the deterioration in the quality of a bog has occurred in the previous 24 months, that bog would not be eligible for dedesignation.I do not wish to name specific examples. I am sure the Minister of State is aware of cases of bogs being used for inappropriate purposes, deemed to be degraded and subsequently opened up for other uses such as building. This amendment will copperfasten the principle that there may never be a reward for the intentional degradation of bogs. This emphasises why we need the snapshot assessment in amendment No. 50, which I thank the Minister of State for accepting. We do not want the provisions of this legislation to cause actors who are working in bad faith to pursue the deterioration of the bogs as a deliberate objective in order for them to be de-designated. I urge the Minister of State to accept this amendment. If he decides on the basis of advice that this needs to be amended further, he can do so in the Dáil.