Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman and other members of the committee for affording me the opportunity to say a few words. Deputy Carthy outlined how critical the mushroom industry is to County Monaghan. It is vital, particularly to the economy in north County Monaghan where I live. Many families and communities are totally dependent on the mushroom industry. The word "crisis" has been used regarding this situation; I would use the word "emergency". It is unforgivable that we are a matter of weeks away from a doomsday cliff-edge situation where the economy of County Monaghan will be severely damaged as a result of this.

I have listened to the contributions of the witnesses and the members of the committee which I have found very informative. I would use the term "environmental showmanship", not just on this issue but in respect of food production in this country, because we do not mind moving the problem so that it is anywhere but here. We are turning a blind eye to carbon footprints and carbon emissions in other countries at the expense of production there and in the context of the issue in question in this country. That is something that needs to be addressed. Unless we get a global response to the problem of carbon footprints and carbon emissions, as Deputy Ring outlined, I am afraid we will be banging our heads against a brick wall. This is a serious issue.

I will confine the remainder of my contribution to questions. The problem, as I see it, is that the matter seems to straddle the areas of responsibility of three different Departments. Is part of the problem that no one is taking ownership of it? The Chairman outlined his efforts in trying to get the three Departments together. Have we reached the stage where we need to get the three Department heads - the three Ministers - together to find a solution to this problem?

Regarding regulations and legislation, how do we compare with other EU states on planning permission, environmental assessments, etc., in respect of peat production? Is Ireland alone in that regard or are we in line with other EU states? I again thank the Chairman for affording me the opportunity to address the committee.