Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There was some confusion with the Whips office so I thank the House for the time.

I trust the Minister will indulge me for a moment. My leaving certificate history project was on the miners' strike in Great Britain and the associated fall-out. One thing that struck me was how isolated parts of Wales, Yorkshire and Derbyshire endured destitution after the mines closed. There were extraordinary levels of unemployment, poverty and drug addiction and various other social problems. It was tragic, to be honest. The mines were closed. Bad and all as that decision was, nothing came in afterwards to support them. This struck me when I heard the discussion around what was happening with Bord na Móna given what a crucial employer the company is in the midlands.

The Minister may be wondering why I am addressing this as a fellow from Togher on the south side of Cork city. It is not a big issue for my constituents but my mother is from Banagher in west Offaly. It is a part of the country that has taken many blows recently not only with Bord na Móna but with companies like Banagher Concrete too. Many big employers were lost in that part of the world.

I recognise that peat is not the most efficient way of generating electricity, but the sector has been a vital industry and an employer for many generations and for hundreds and thousands of families. I call on the Minister to ensure that what happened in those parts of England, Wales and Scotland is not repeated in Ireland. That must not be allowed to happen in the midlands communities. This will be a big blow no matters what. There needs to be a just transition and every support possible provided. This is not only about employment but social supports for the communities as well. Every possible effort needs to be put in place to ensure the communities stay above water and thrive and that the level of disadvantage seen elsewhere is not inflicted on them.

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