asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy his policy regarding the use of cut-away bogs belonging to Bord na Móna.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bord na Móna Bogs.
27.
Experimental work involving the rearing of livestock and the growing of corn, vegetables and shrubs on cut-away bogs has been carried out for some time by Bord na Móna in co-operation with an Foras Talúntais. It would, however, be premature to base conclusions on the work done to date and further research must be pursued before policy in this respect can be determined.
I am now setting up an inter-departmental committee to investigate the possible uses of Bord na Móna cut-away bogs with a view to ensuring that they are properly developed and used in the best national interest and to supervise and co-ordinate what-ever technical studies are considered necessary in this connection.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that some of this bog may be disposed of by the board in the near future? I want an assurance from the Parliamentary Secretary, if it can be given, that none of this cut-away bog will be disposed of by the board until there has been full investigation of the potential use of it and until it is certain that the right thing is being done with it?
The inter-departmental committee set up by the Minister in September this year consists of representatives of this Department, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Fisheries and of Bord na Móna, under the chairmanship of an assistant secretary of my Department. Letters of invitation to participate in the work of the committee have issued to the Departments concerned and to Bord na Móna. I would hope that no decision to sell any of the bog would be made by Bord na Móna seeing that they are involved in the discussions.
I am asking the Parliamentary Secretary to try to ensure that none of this bog will be disposed of by Bord na Móna until final investigation and consultation have taken place. Could she give that assurance?
I shall certainly bring it to the attention of the committee.
Is there any possibility of ensuring that the inter-departmental committee would be in a position to receive evidence in public from public representatives in view of the severe political pressure exerted to have some of the bog allocated to local landed interests? Could she use her good offices to have perhaps public inquiries where public representatives could state their views?
That is a separate question, but the Deputy can make application to the committee and I am sure they will be delighted to consider such representations.
That is a separate question.
That is a separate question but I am sure if the Deputy makes representations to the committee they will be delighted to consider them.