This was my second time to address the proposed Bill by Heather Humphries FG, which would extend the time for burning off heather and gorse in the countryside. It carries enormous risk to our natural heritage, our tourist potential and crucially to our wild-life. So are they just pandering to the big ranchers, or what? Nothing justifies this.

Our wildlife took a huge hit with the recent heather, gorse and forest fires during dry weather. The new Heritage Bill, being proposed by Fine Gael, will only make matters worse. The video is of my questioning regarding this awful threat; the FG responses have been edited – the spokeman talked much and said little.