Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

A worrying aspect of my engagements with the Minister, and I am sure other members have come across the same, is a particular comment he made at the end of one of the replies he gave me on the issue of alternatives for horticulture. He said:

The peat supply needs of the horticulture sector for the coming period will be met through existing stockpiles of peat, ongoing supply from Northern Ireland for the mushroom industry and an element of peat imports from outside of Ireland.

The recommendations of the working group Mr. Neenan outlined in his opening statement seem to have been ignored.

Is it fair to conclude that the importation of peat is now seen as the preferred option of the three Departments?