Cathal Byrne (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for bringing a bit of clarity to this situation because there is a genuine feeling among farmers that attempts are being made to fully prohibit controlled burning. While I recognise that there is a closed period, this fact may not be as well known among farmers as it should be. From speaking to many farmers, particularly those in Kiltealy, which is on the Wexford side of Mount Leinster, I know there was a substantial fire in that area. There were also fires in north Wexford near Gorey only a few short weeks ago.

I thank the Minister for his response. I encourage his Department to do a bit more to promote what can be done in this regard. There was a feeling there was a total prohibition on this or that perhaps a total prohibition was coming in. I recognise that that is not the case.