I endorse the call of Kerry County Council, initiated by Councillor Michael Gleeson, that common sense prevail on the issue of gorse fires. We all know of the potential damage which can be caused. The practice has been continued for hundreds of years. Landowners and farmers burn at certain times to encourage regrowth. The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, landowners and the fire service should come to an agreement to have controlled burning at specific times. That would solve the problem.

On the matter referred to by Senator Gerard P. Craughwell, it is not helpful for any of us at this time to refer to specific items that we know are the subject of ongoing discussions between the AILG, LAMA and two Ministers. It could be misinterpreted that we were seeking publicity. We can all make individual representations, as I am sure many of us have done, and we can all hold a watching brief, which is the important role we play. I genuinely do not believe having a debate on the issues involved would be helpful.

We were promised open and honest government.

Let us await and outcome and see what happens. We should allow the talks the oxygen they need and councillors and the executives of the Local Authority Members Association, LAMA, and the Association of Irish Local Government, AILG, who represent 1,000 councillors and have been elected by their peers the time required to deal with the issues. I plead with Senators to let this continue.