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

I thank the representatives from Bord na Móna - Mr. Breen and his colleagues - for being here. For the record, it is good that Bord na Móna, a semi-State company, was willing to attend this committee. I record my disappointment again that we have not been able to have a hearing with the three Ministers responsible because one is refusing to come and the others will not come unless he comes, which is a bizarre scenario. I again propose this week that we invite any of the Ministers who are willing to come to discuss this issue to do so.

I have a number of questions - all relating to peat. I am aware there are other issues that members want to talk about.

I wish to refer to the working group report on reviewing the use of peat moss, which Mr. Breen mentioned, and its references to Bord na Móna. According to the report, Bord na Móna has indicated that it would be willing to assist in any way it can to alleviate the situation in which the horticultural industry finds itself and that this assistance could involve the provision, on commercial terms, of access to extraction equipment, institutional and professional know-how and mixing plant. Since the publication of the report, has any of these resources been made available to players in the industry and, if so, which players?