Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief because Members have put their views on this issue on the record. I, as Minister with responsibility for planning, am guardian of the planning system. That system, by its nature, is neutral. It acts on policy. We need policy to work with the system in order to provide a solution. We can go around the houses and discuss how we got here. It has been a difficult process. The important point is that we must have a two-step process whereby if a project is exempted from planning, there is an alternative regime that meets the requirement of EU law. That is achievable.

I want to be clear to all Senators and everyone following this debate that I have done my part. It is up to other Ministers to do theirs. We need to put all our heads together to deliver this solution for the sector. That was why I prefaced my opening remarks with reference to the situation near my county and the expectation of peat being brought in, which is difficult to explain to people. I thought it was important to put that on the record at the very outset and to show exactly what is going on. I do not want to misrepresented. The horticulture sector is to the forefront of our considerations. It is the people in that sector we are fighting for in order to try to ensure they have a viable livelihood in front of them.

I made the remark that peat extraction is permitted within the State but the process around it is very difficult. A provider must try to get leave from the courts, which can take a significant period of time. The provider then must get substitute consent, that is, retention permission, followed by planning permission for future use before going to the EPA to get licensed. It is a complicated process, which shows how many stakeholders are currently involved and necessary to provide the solution.

I know people are frustrated at the way we got here. It is worth pointing out that the previous Government put in a statutory instrument intended to resolve this issue but it was struck down by the courts. Remarks were made about a court case and Bord na Móna. It was not the company. Bord na Móna made a commercial decision to exit the market. I understand it had initiated the process by making an application.

The following consideration is the key to unlocking this debate. When we talk about a just transition, we are talking about trying to provide a future while we wait for an alternative to be ever-present for the industry. To me, there is nothing just in seeing so many families outside the gates of Leinster House this afternoon fighting for their livelihoods because of this ridiculous situation. We need to provide a just solution, as per the notion of a just transition. Teagasc and all the other agencies of the State can work to find alternatives. We must ensure that they have budgets behind them to conduct that research and do that work. That is important and will be a key part of the solution.

In response to something said by some Senators, I do not support any illegal regime. The dual process that has been proposed is fully in line with EU law and Irish law. We want the best sustainable outcome for everyone here, and that is what the planning system can deliver. As I pointed out, the planning system is neutral. We do not ban things in the planning system, we follow Government policy.

On the climate issue, it is up to the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Eamon Ryan, to lead from that perspective in terms of how the Government responds with climate measures. The planning system then allows sustainable development through that mechanism. I hope that is clear.

A number of Senators made reference to the legislation, the pressures it is facing and how often it has been challenged in the courts. The process has been litigious and that is a considerable issue in allowing peat extraction. We want to ensure that what we have stands up to the highest scrutiny. That is very important. It is up to all Members of this House, who I encourage to assist me with this process. I have spoken the truth here about what I have done. I cannot do any more on my own because it is not under the remit of my Department. We need the other Departments to step up to the mark and do their piece. That is the key point I would like everyone here to take from this debate. We need to ensure that we put the process in place to ensure that we have a secure future for those families who are standing at the gates of Leinster House today.That is very important. As I said in my earlier remarks, horticulture is the fourth most valuable sector of our agriculture industry. It generates almost €500 million in revenue and employs 17,000 people. It provides incomes for all those families in our State. We need to stand up and be counted. We need to provide a clear pathway to secure their future. It is very important that people right across Government resolve to do that. I will not be found wanting in playing my part in connection with that.