Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. My questions are based on the opening statement. We are where we are but I want to know how we got here.

The answer to every question at the moment is the High Court ruling. Based on the High Court ruling and the need for planning permission, Bord na Móna made the decision not to seek planning permission, accepted the ruling, waved the white flag immediately and in a very short space of time decided to suspend peat production completely. Who made that decision in Bord na Móna? Why was no regard given to a just transition or, indeed, any transition for the horticultural growers, the farmers who use peat for bedding and, indeed, Bord na Móna's supply of briquettes that is due to cease in 2023 or 2024? What if Bord na Móna had sought planning permission? Bord na Móna played a major role the last time there was an emergency. In fact, we do not use the word wars but call them emergencies and we are very close to another emergency now. In such circumstances had Bord na Móna proceeded to seek planning permission, as directed by the High Court, it could well be in a position now to help out. As we speak, President Biden is en routeto Brussels; he may even have arrived. From what I hear on the American media he wants to persuade the Europeans to place a full embargo on Russian oil and gas. If that were to happen Bord na Móna would have a major role in exceptional times but it has cut itself out of such a possibility. Who made the decision to walk off the pitch at the first hurdle?