Mr. Brian Lucas:

I thank the committee for the invitation to speak on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The working group was established by the Minister of State, Deputy Malcolm Noonan, in March. It comprises representatives from the three Departments here today, as well as industry and environmental non-governmental organisations. Its remit was to address the issues identified during the review of the use of peat moss in the horticultural industry. It was appropriate, in the circumstances in which the horticultural industry found itself, that it consider that as well. Its meetings in March and April were effectively devoted to the preparation of an interim report and discussions and deliberations on that report, which was presented to the Minister of State in May and to which I referred in my opening statement.

On the legislative provisions, all developments require planning permission unless specifically exempted under the Planning and Development Act or associated regulations. Under the planning and development regulations 2001, peat extraction in a new or extended area of less than 10 ha or a new or extended area of 10 ha or more where the drainage of the bog commenced prior to 21 January 2002 is an exempted development. This exemption is subject to-----