The Central Bank has estimated that inflation will hit 10% next month and much of that, as we have just heard, has been driven by soaring energy costs. Many families will be simply unable to heat their homes come the autumn. They are in despair with worry as to how they will make ends meet. It is in that context that I have to say that it is bizarre that the Minister next week plans to bring forward, according to his previous remark, proposals to ban the sale of turf, considering that such a ban would remove the only viable source of heating for many families. Does the Minister not recognise how hare-brained a proposal that is at this time, considering that people want and need Government to wise up and bring forward proposals that will support them, rather than making their lives even harder?

That is not what I expect to introduce next week. As I said to Deputy Fitzmaurice, as we said last September-----

There will be no ban on the sale of turf. That is what I am asking.

Please let the Minister answer. The Deputy asked his question.

Traditional arrangements, such as a local sale where someone who has turbary rights is selling to a neighbour, will not be restricted.

Will there be a ban on the sale of turf?

Cash is king.

Where the restrictions will be introduced is on the retail and Internet - on that commercial operation. The vast majority of turf sales are done through the mechanism that I mentioned. This is about all sorts of fuels. This is about regulating, first and foremost, smoky coal and wet wood.

Does the Minister have nothing better to do next week than-----

Please, Deputy.

It will not affect those who are relying on those traditional local persons selling to them for their heat or their own use. That is the case.