Pippa Hackett (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It should be noted at the outset that my Department has no role in the regulation or control of peat extraction. However, I am very aware of the current dependence of the horticultural industry on the availability of peat moss.

Following on from the publication of a report on the review of the use of peat moss in the horticulture industry by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Minister of State, Deputy Malcolm Noonan, set up a working group to consider impacts on the sector. It is proposed that this working group, representing Departments, including my Department, State agencies, environmental NGOs and industry stakeholders, will address the issues raised in the report, including the future use of peat in the horticulture sector. I am pleased to say the first meeting of the independent working group took place on 4 March and it has met regularly since.

My Department, through the Horticulture Industry Forum, engages with the horticulture sector on an ongoing basis. As recently as 20 April, I co-chaired a Horticulture Industry Forum meeting where the challenges and opportunities facing the industry were discussed. At a broader level, the Department provides support to the horticulture industry through the scheme of investment aid for the development of the horticulture sector. Financial support is available to assist growers and businesses through grant aid for capital investments in specialised plant and equipment, including renewable energy, as well as technology adoption specific to commercial horticulture production. A 50% budget increase to €9 million has been secured for 2021, which reflects the importance of the sector and the importance we are placing on it. The scheme is 100% funded by the Government. In addition, the Department administers the EU producer organisation scheme for fruit and vegetables, which allows growers to jointly market their production in order to strengthen the position of producers in the marketplace.

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