Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 16 February 2021

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Impact of Peat Shortages on the Horticulture Industry: Discussion

Mr. Kieran Dunne:

Yes. I will just make a few more points in reply to Deputy Michael Collins. As was stated, we are very proud of our industry. We work very closely together. What we bring to rural communities are real jobs in rural areas. We bring commitment and honest leadership and we supply our towns and counties. We are very proud of that. What we are looking for is fair play. We have more than 40 years' experience as an amenity nursery stock sector. We now have the second generation and we do not wish for the committee to forget that. If we have young people, whether trainees through Teagasc or the colleges or those who have come to the industry through their families, driving our industry forward, we have a very good export trade within the meaning of the sector. I and others in the industry are appalled at the lack of progress with regard to the review committee that was to be set up in November. What is happening is passing the buck and kicking the can down the road. There has been a lack of action on the most serious situation in the 40 years of our industry.

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