Although my family is involved in the jarvey trade in Killarney, I have tried to steer a middle course in the dung controversy, recognising that dung on the roads is unacceptable and is a problem that needs to be addressed.

What has disturbed me, however, is the 'Thatcherite' approach taken by the National Park management in barring the jarveys from the park in July, effectively depriving of them of their livelihood had they not secured a High Court injunction to restore access after four days.

That injunction has since been over-turned, and it is unclear if another 'lock-out' will be attempted.

Since the National Park has cited waste of taxpayers' money in brushing its roads as a factor in its insistence on dung catchers, I would like to ask Minister John Gormley how much has been spent on preparations for their introduction and on legal costs to date, and what is the estimated cost of the full High Court hearing scheduled for October.

Given the current state of public finances, the department and the jarveys would be well-advised to renew their attempts to negotiate a compromise.

Breda Joy,

Killarney,

Co Kerry