Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 237: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the conclusions reached following a recent meeting (details supplied); the date and location of the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36545/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Minister Finneran and I have had several discussions in regard to turf-cutting in designated raised bogs. We recently considered the issue of ensuring that the views of all parties, including those directly affected by any restrictions on turf cutting, are reflected in deliberations on the matter. This will be considered further by the Inter Departmental Working Group that I have established to advise me on the cessation of turf cutting in these sites.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 238: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will furnish a reply to correspondence (details supplied); the reason for the three month delay in responding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36546/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The correspondence referred to in the question was acknowledged but a full response has not yet issued. Aspects of the correspondence are relevant to the work of the Inter-Departmental Working Group on the Cessation of Turf Cutting in Designated Areas and these have been referred to it for its consideration, along with other submissions received. The detailed technical and scientific issues raised in the correspondence do not fall within the terms of reference of the Inter-Departmental Group. My Department has examined these issues and I expect to be in a position to provide a response in the near future.