asked the Minister for Energy if there is a minimum depth of peat which Bord na Móna are obliged to leave undisturbed when carrying our harvesting operations; if such minimum depth is being left on all Bord na Móna bogs; if he has satisfied himself that this minimum peat depth is sufficient to ensure that the full range of options for the use of cut-away bogs — particularly forestry and horticulture — can be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Cut-away Bogs.
60.
There is no requirement on Bord na Móna to leave a minimum depth of peat when carrying out their harvesting operations. No decision has been reached as to the uses to be made of the different depths and types of cut-away bog currently available. However, cut-away bog is being left in a state suitable for development for either grassland or forestry. There is not sufficient depth of peat on existing cutaways for horticultural purposes, but in any event the suitability of cutaway for such purposes has not yet been established. When the research on this subject has been completed, further consideration can be given to the question of optimum peat depth but, of course, the alternative fuel value of the residual peat will also have to be taken into account.
61.
asked the Minister for Energy if, in view of his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 41 on 14 May 1987 (Volume 372 No. 9, columns 2066 to 2067), he can confirm that the officer in charge of An Foras Talúntas was co-opted onto the Interdepartmental Committee on cut-away bogs in March 1984, but received no invitations to attend meetings; if the committee had sufficient technical and research personnel available to it; if he will indicate the positions held by such personnel; if he has satisifed himself that they had the requisite research and technical expertise; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In March 1984 the question of co-opting an officer of An Foras Talúntais was under consideration but it was decided not to proceed with this appointment as the committee's work was coming to an end. At the time of its last meeting the committee was constituted as follows: Assistant Secretary, Department of Energy (Chairman); Deputy Chief Inspector, Department of Agriculture; Principal Officer, Department of Fisheries and Forestry; Managing Director, Bord na Móna; Land Development Manager.
I am satisfied that the personnel in question had the necessary expertise to enable them to evaluate the technical material to which they had recourse during the term of the committee. Apart from their own personal competence the committee members had, of course, access to the expertise of the relevant State agencies.