Mr. Brian Lucas:

As I said, the key issues paper, which is available to read online, considered and gave details on the importance of horticulture to the Irish economy. It was also taken up in the review report.

My remit, and that of my Department, is to try to facilitate a solution. My main remit, as Deputy Fitzmaurice and others are aware, is designated raised bogs. These are not designated raised bogs. My main remit is not horticultural peat but I wish to try to be part of a solution to this problem. I can be part of the solution by getting everyone together to come up with a solution to the short-term and longer-term problem.

A multi-agency approach was mentioned but we will have a multi-agency approach. We are bringing together representatives from the key Departments, industry and non-governmental organisations, under an independent chair with vast experience in both the academic and practical sides of the horticultural industry. The best approach to take is to bring those players together and get them to try to come up with solutions quickly.

I am not trying to escape anything. My remit is to try to come up with a solution for an area of work that is not my main work. However, I can see the problems. I have seen the problems since I became involved in producing the issues paper and the previous working group from late 2018. I am aware of the problems. I have seen them. As I would like to be part of the solution, let us get the working group going.

However, certain things are not within my remit. I am prepared to admit that but it is fair to say that those under whose remit the issues are will be involved in the working group.