Results 3,441-3,460 of 4,399 for speaker:Martin Browne

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Forestry Sector (27 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: 3365. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of registered foresters in operation in each of the past ten years. [39320/21]

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Horticulture Sector (27 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: 3366. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of engagements he has had with the mushroom sector regarding the restrictions on the harvesting of horticultural peat; and when those engagements occurred. [39322/21]

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Horticulture Sector (27 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: 3367. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of engagements he has had with the horticultural peat supply sector regarding the restrictions on the harvesting of horticultural peat; and when those engagements occurred. [39323/21]

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Horticulture Sector (27 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: 3368. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of engagements he has had with the nursery sector regarding the restrictions on the harvesting of horticultural peat; and when those engagements occurred. [39324/21]

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Community Development Projects (27 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: 3430. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when her Department plans to reopen the community services programme for applications. [39116/21]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Alleged Issues in the Horse Racing Industry: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: I hate to be critical, but nearly an hour has been spent on one contributor. I see on the screen that there are an awful lot of people looking to get in. I have questions for the Department following up on what we have heard and I also have questions about last night's television programme, though I do not know if the witnesses are in a position to answer them at this stage. Some €96...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Alleged Issues in the Horse Racing Industry: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: I would like to ask about the "Panorama" programme. Can we ask questions on that?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Alleged Issues in the Horse Racing Industry: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: I accept and appreciate that. I want to ask questions, but like I said, I am aware that other members want to come in.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Impact of Peat Shortages on the Horticultural Industry: Discussion (20 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: I also welcome our guests. Some of them have said that they are conscious of what is going on in the sector and that there is a journey under way. After what we heard at several of our recent meetings and from talking to people in the sector, it does not appear that there is much of a drive going on between the different Departments. I have some comments and questions. A major factor in...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Impact of Peat Shortages on the Horticultural Industry: Discussion (20 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: Time is running out for the sector while the Departments are in discussions.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Impact of Peat Shortages on the Horticultural Industry: Discussion (20 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: Can I pose a question to the representatives from each of the Departments?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Impact of Peat Shortages on the Horticultural Industry: Discussion (20 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: Starting with the representatives from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, I noted with interest the second last paragraph of the opening statement. It acknowledges the opinions of the working group in respect of a phasing out to be undertaken up to 2030. Is this something that the Department sees as a possible solution to the problem we are facing?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Impact of Peat Shortages on the Horticultural Industry: Discussion (20 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: I do not think that anyone here believes that there is going to be an alternative in place by September, at which point this sector will be in serious trouble. Is it possible that the date for this change can be stretched out to 2030 to let the sector come up with the solutions and alternatives that have been referred to? I wonder could such an approach be adopted instead of bringing...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Impact of Peat Shortages on the Horticultural Industry: Discussion (20 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: I have a question for the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications on this so-called stockpile of peat. Can the Department comment on the actions of the EPA regarding a certain company that sought to prevent it from accessing that? Does the Department see this as an appropriate way to act in light of the circumstances right now?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Impact of Peat Shortages on the Horticultural Industry: Discussion (20 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: We will not get an answer to that question. I have a question for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The Department seemed to be at great pains in its opening statement to say that it has no role in the regulation of peat extraction or planning. They said that is for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. They then said that IPC licences fall under the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Impact of Peat Shortages on the Horticultural Industry: Discussion (20 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: All the Departments have been speaking about buying time to develop these alternatives. They seem to be forgetting, though, the whole sector and professionalism in that industry. They are already in the process of looking into alternatives. They are the ones who know their industry. They know what works right now and what does not work. Instead of Departments trying to buy time for...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Impact of Peat Shortages on the Horticultural Industry: Discussion (20 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: Apologies; I do not know where it went.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Impact of Peat Shortages on the Horticultural Industry: Discussion (20 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: The horticultural sector values the planet and all it offers. We have got that message any time we have spoken to those involved in it. Sustainability is of vital important to them. So, work with them. Do not start dictating to them out of an idealistic stance that is in practice unrealistic. The Department needs to live up to its words and secure the thousands of jobs to which Deputies...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Impact of Peat Shortages on the Horticultural Industry: Discussion (20 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: No, there was not really. Instead of buying time, our guests need to work with the people who we have been talking to and who are involved in that sector on a daily basis in order that they can come to a conclusion. There will be a massive number of jobs at risk, if something is not done quickly. Buying time is not a solution.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Impact of Peat Shortages on the Horticultural Industry: Discussion (20 Jul 2021)

Martin Browne: I have a quick question. Deputy Fitzmaurice's frustration is evident. We are totally frustrated that this has been going on since February. Three Departments are in today, but I do not know if we are anywhere near getting answers from them or a resolution. I can imagine those in the sector looking at today's meeting were hoping we would get answers or some resolution to how the situation...