Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have had a very extensive debate. As can be gathered, there is serious concern in the room about different issues. I ask the representatives to keep us updated regarding Deputy Fitzmaurice's question about farmers who are growing willow and the serious difficulty in which they find themselves. I also ask for communication with those farmers to try to sort out their difficulties because they most definitely went into those projects in good faith. If they are on unsuitable land, they need assistance to get them back on an even keel. We urge Bord na Móna to communicate with those farmers, and it is to be hoped their issues can be resolved satisfactorily.

I ask the representatives to recognise we are in very changed times and circumstances. The environment for what was appropriate six months ago has changed dramatically. We have to ensure we do all we possibly can to keep our economy sustainable. We have a couple of native industries that are finding themselves under severe pressure. Deputy Carthy referred to the mushroom industry, which operates under an extremely tight margin. The solution is not within the remit of Bord na Móna. It is up to us as policymakers and legislators to make sure we get a solution fast to ensure the future viability of these industries. The fuel crisis and the energy crisis will need direction at a political level but we have to ensure our own security is paramount at all times.

I thank the representatives for coming before the committee, attending and participating. The next public meeting of the committee will take place at 9.30 a.m. on Thursday, 24 March. We will explore technologies and opportunities that may exist in the effort to reduce emissions in the agricultural sector. The witnesses will be from two commercial entities and an academic from Dublin City University.