Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Our first priority is to make the case for a time extension. A ready argument for this relates to the 260,000 tonnes of peat that are piled up at various points around the bog. The factory uses approximately 7,000 tonnes per week, which means that enough peat is available to keep the plant running for another 37 weeks. That should be possible, as should a third harvest.

The redundancy package for employees, especially those who are long serving and wish to exit the company, is not strong enough and needs to be renegotiated. One employee has 40 years of service and is 63 years of age. He would receive €31,200 in redundancy. This is a person who has given a lifetime of service, commitment and dedication to Bord na Móna. The package must be renegotiated. It includes a clause to the effect that, the longer one's service, the more one is penalised. The current agreement is not fair or just and needs to be re-examined. Will the Government play a part in ensuring that happens?

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