Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief because I am aware of the number of amendments and the length of the debate so far.

The just transition is the cornerstone of everything we have to achieve to meet the targets we have set. It is something of a buzzword. As Senator Boyhan said, we need actions as well as words.

I do not believe any of the amendments will change anything I intend to say. Change is needed but it does not necessarily have to be part of this Bill. This goes back to where Senator Boyhan started with the mushroom and horticulture industry. We have a debate about just transition but we should start with the just transition. The sectors should know, be told and have in situthe interim arrangements they will have to make, which are, in essence, the just transition. We have a habit of putting the cart before the horse. We ceased peat production before having an alternative. I spoke to a haulier recently who is based in Munster. His lorries draw peat that comes from eastern Europe through Drogheda Port to Munster. We spoke earlier about wanting to bring farmers with us and the changes we want them to make. What they are seeing here is nonsense and contradictions. Until they see positives rather than nonsense and contradictions, it will be increasingly difficult to bring them with us.

While I say the amendments today will not change anything, there is one issue outside the scope of this Bill in respect of which the Minister needs to take control. He needs to get Irish peat back into the mushroom and horticulture plants until such time as an alternative product is available. Likewise, he needs to German briquettes off the shelves and Irish briquettes back until such time as we have alternatives. That is the only way we will bring the people with us. That is work the Minister needs to do immediately. None of the amendments we have discussed will change any of that. The issue needs immediate action.