Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know quite a bit about this because my training was in horticulture in Kildalton College many years ago. What consultation have the witnesses had with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the peat industry through Bord na Móna? I know how important peat is for soft fruit, vegetables, mushrooms and so on. I do not agree about the alternatives but have the witnesses examined how much the increase in price will cost people within the industry such as them? One witness stated that the smaller guy will definitely be gone and there is no doubt about that because he will be unable to afford the price increase.

A number of members asked what are the two most important questions that we should ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and his Department. We all know what our guests want, but what are the two most important questions that they want us to ask?