Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Senators on all sides for their engagement. I am aware of their genuine interest in tenants' rights, housing and the importance of protecting those most at risk during Covid-19. I thank the Senators for their engagement at an early stage on this Bill. I initiated this legislation in the Seanad. We had to add to it substantially, which we did not necessarily envisage at first. We have done so with the co-operation of the Dáil and Seanad. This sends out a really strong message. While there will always be some disagreement on various aspects of legislation, points in this regard are put across well. I understand why the amendments have been tabled. The fact that I am not accepting the amendments shows no disrespect to the Senators who have gone to the trouble of tabling them. We have considered them. My team and officials have considered them in detail.

I wish to make a point of clarification on the substitute consent aspect. It represents an important change to the planning side of the Bill. This Bill, in no way, shape or form, is an attempt to revive the provisions of the 2019 regulations that were struck down by the High Court, which purport to enable peat extraction to continue during a transitional period. It will have no effect on the planning status of peat extraction. As a Government, we are committed to transitioning from such extraction to an approach to land use that values carbon storage and sinks in peatlands, the biodiversity of peatlands and ecosystem services. In line with this, the Cabinet approved just last month an allocation of over €108 million to Bord na Móna for the re-wetting and restoration of bogs as part of a just-transition approach to helping midland communities and workers facing the cessation of peat extraction and associated power generation in the midlands. Earlier this year, the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, established a working group to progress the elimination of the use of peat moss in horticulture over an agreed period. Regarding the substitute consent provisions, there is no attempt to revive the former provisions.

I thank all the Senators most sincerely for their engagement not only on this Bill but also on others. As this may be my last time in the Seanad before the Christmas break, I wish all the Senators a happy and restful Christmas. I hope they get to spend time with their families, take a little time off and recharge the batteries. I thank the staff in the Seanad and the rest of Leinster House and wish them the very best over the Christmas period. Nollaig Shona do gach duine. Tá súil agam go mbainfidh siad taitneamh as an sos.