Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 967: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, further to his review of the condition of bogs here in 2008, he will provide scientific evidence of the implications of climate change on this habitat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38791/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The long-term health of Ireland's bogs may be affected by changes in temperature and precipitation patterns brought about by climate change. While research published by the EPA in 2008: Climate Change – Refining the Impacts for Ireland (NUIM) - and available on the EPA's website outlines a range of potential climate change impacts on Irish ecosystems including bogs, projected impacts on bog habitat has not been specifically modelled to date. The above-mentioned report acknowledges the need for further research to inform policy-making. Bogs also have a role in mitigating climate change through the sequestration and storage of carbon, and they act as a defence to predicted adverse impacts of climate change such as floods and droughts.