Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for attending and welcome them. I wish to record my disappointment that they did not have a chance to read their statements into the record. I read them thoroughly and wish that other members did too. They contain some very important information and we have done a disservice to the witnesses by not allowing them to read their statements into the record. I will take up the issue with the Chairman later.

I want to correct the record in regard to the reason these circumstances have arisen. I sympathise with everybody who finds themselves in this difficult situation. It is a crisis. A legal case in 2019 ultimately led to Bord na Móna ceasing its harvesting of peat for horticultural use and that is why we are where we are. It is up to the Government now to resolve the situation, although it is difficult and complex. Deputy Ring often makes the point that climate change is for others to solve. It is not for others to solve; it is for Ireland to lead, and we are leading and doing very well at leading on climate change. We also have to lead on this issue and to resolve this situation, which is really important to Ireland, to rural Ireland and to those involved in horticulture. I think we can do both.

It was suggested that this is some kind of agenda by the Green Party to stop the harvesting of peat but that is not the case. We are fully supportive of the industry and we will work with our guests and with all stakeholders. The heritage unit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, led by my colleague Deputy Noonan, is setting up a working group to resolve this issue in short order.