Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent)
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Some of the questions I am asking have already been asked. Deputy Leddin said this is not a matter of the green agenda, but it is certainly an extraordinary situation we find ourselves in with regard to both forestry and peat and the Green Party is at the helm. We see the disaster that is unfolding. Some Minister somewhere along the line is unable to resolve this unfolding disaster for many people in the horticulture sector and the nurseries. When will the limited peat harvest start again, as was indicated by the Minister of State, Senator Hackett, some time back?

Do the witnesses think it is a good picture to see eastern European peat being transported to Ireland with huge carbon footprints instead of using peat in bogs that can never be returned to functioning big habitats and that exist in Ireland? When will a fund for private entities to undertake research on alternatives to grow nursery stock and mushrooms be started to ensure fast solutions for our industry? Does the Minister of State acknowledge and take responsibility for a complete lack of knowledge and of any planning or forward thinking before destroying Irish horticulture jobs and families?