I raise the non-signing of a derogation to enable farmers to burn bushes. I am not talking about bushes that are alive. These are bushes that were cut during the winter season and are then piled up and usually burned in the spring when they dry out a bit. As a result of the non-signing of the derogation, they will now have to be mulched. I ask Deputies to excuse me for being slightly out of breath. I was running late. The bushes will be mulched using vehicles with diesel engines so I question the benefit to the environment. This is a huge inconvenience to farmers and there has been no lead-in time. I ask the Taoiseach whether this derogation will be signed because until now, his Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, has declined to sign it.

I will come back to the Deputy on that. I will have a look at this. The issue came to my attention last evening. There are obviously a number of perspectives on this in terms of the environment, clean air and other issues as well. I will examine the matter in full. I have not yet had an opportunity to do so. I will come back to the Deputy. I just want to give him time to catch his breath.

I was anticipating a response, but I appreciate-----

Now that I have my breath, maybe I could have another opportunity to address the Taoiseach.