Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps Mr. Rushe, Mr. Cullinane or some of the representatives from the ICMSA might be able to answer. This committee discussed the issue of horticultural peat, access to it and, in the context of the working group, the potential challenges if the cultivation of horticultural peat ceases in the next number of years. Have the farming organisation representatives assessed the implications of such a move, were it to happen, for their own members or for other farmers? Peat is used for many things, including bedding, and it has central role in sectors such as the mushroom sector, with which I am familiar. Have the farming organisations carried out assessments on the effect the ban on the cultivation of horticultural peat would have on their members? Do they consider it a sensible proposition to cease cultivating peat in Ireland in order to import it from elsewhere in the world?