Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy acknowledged, this issue is not within my remit but, nevertheless, I was happy to take it for the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, who is indisposed. I hear the Deputy's frustration regarding the lack of information. Perhaps I should say the alleged lack of information because obviously I am not up to speed with the minutiae of this issue. I do know, however, the key importance of the professional horticulture industry to Irish jobs, the economy and our food safety and security. I reassure the Deputy the Government is working as a priority to assist the horticultural industry in resolving the issues in respect of peat harvesting and managing the difficult but necessary transition away from the widespread use of peat for horticultural purposes in the coming years.

I have taken a note of the Deputy's remarks in respect of emergency legislation to provide a regulatory framework, as well as the fact that he mentioned the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, and the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan. I will speak to them and let them know the Deputy has raised this issue. It is clear that any realistic solution needs to find a workable interim arrangement to allow the Irish horticultural industry to operate while alternatives to the widespread use of peat are identified and put in place. I am aware there are no simple solutions to something like this but I reassure the Deputy that the Government is committed to exploring every opportunity to alleviate the difficulties for growers, their businesses and their families during this period of transition away from the use of peat. I will certainly bring his comments to the three Ministers and it is to be hoped they will revert back to the Deputy on the issue.

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