asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will make a statement on the future utilisation of cut-over bog for agricultural purposes, including an assessment of its agricultural potential based on the most recent research findings and the current policy directives to Bord na Móna concerning the balance to be maintained between fuel and future agricultural uses; and if he will now direct the board to involve itself in large-scale farming of this valuable agricultural resource.
Written Answers. - Cut-over Bog Utilisation.
189.
The Deputy is no doubt aware that an interdepartmental committee has been set-up to investigate the best possible uses of Bord na Móna cutaway bogs with a view to ensuring that they are properly developed and used in the best national interest. The committee have commissioned certain technical studies in this connection.
As I indicated in reply to a question on 12 December last the committee will shortly submit to me an interim report but they consider it necessary to await the outcome of the technical studies before making final recommendations. I would not consider it desirable to make a statement on the lines requested by the Deputy in advance of consideration of the committee's report.