Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of the horticultural sector and the harvesting of peat for 2022. Stakeholders have issued a report that was signed off by them and by the relevant Departments that put recommendations in place that would allow for the issuing of licences for the horticulture industry to harvest peat. I met with representatives of the industry last week who are extremely concerned that the relevant Department has issued a template for the securing of those licences that is unworkable, impractical and will not allow the issuing of licences for harvesting in 2022. Continuing with the importation of peat in this country is a farcical situation, it is environmentally unfriendly and it will be an economic disaster for the horticulture industry. The mushroom industry, in particular, cannot afford it. The cost base is not there and it cannot carry the cost of importation of peat. I urge the Taoiseach to consult with the relevant Department and let the recommendations of the working group be implemented in order to allow the issuing of licences for the harvesting of peat in 2022.

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