Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for their presentation. Am I right in saying that Bord na Móna's peat prices have to come from €35 down to €23 or €25 after the levy has gone? The witnesses spoke about biomass, but I have talked to people in Bord na Móna who have looked at the ESB plant in Lanesborough. Is Bord na Móna not clutching at straws in this area? People from Bord na Móna have told me that to feed the plant in Lanesborough one would need all of the county of Roscommon to be planted with willow. The same applies to Shannonbridge. I believe willow does not grow well in bogs - good land is needed - so let us be realistic about this.

Is it correct that the company made €54 million in profit last year? I have been contacted by numerous people who work with Bord na Móna and it seems a hatchet job is being done on workers at the moment. As Deputy Cowen said, the management has been insisting on 30% and is saying, "Sign this or no contract." The company has been using a strong-handed manner, which surprises me, because it is a company I had good regard for. Given the experience Mr. Horgan has in industrial relations, I am surprised that a company that has made a profit of €54 million is doing this.

Am I correct in saying that Bord na Móna bought an oil company a few years ago and also had a coal business? How profitable or unprofitable were they? Can the witnesses give me the figures? Was the oil business, in particular, a bad experience?

I understand carbon tax is not paid on peat but only on peat briquettes. Am I correct in stating that tax is not paid on the peat that goes to the ESB?