Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to ask the Minister what measures his Department is taking to support the retention and protection of jobs in the midlands, with specific reference to Bord na Móna workers and those working in the horticultural sector. This question is being asked in the context of a just transition process that is being escalated. It is an unfair transition - it is not just. This question is also being asked in the context of Bord na Móna's decision to suspend all peat harvesting for 2020. There is significant concern around the impact on employment that these two realities have. I call on the Minister and this Government to support Bord na Móna in its appeal to recommence peat harvesting in order to safeguard jobs for as long as possible in the midlands, particularly in Offaly.

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