Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the context of our debate yesterday on peat, a press release was issued by Friends of the Environment which stated that X number of tonnes of peat were exported out of the country. The purpose of that press release was to try and negate the debate we had yesterday. I remind Friends of the Environment that we live in the EU free market.We have the best quality peat in the EU. The reality is that we cannot stop it from being imported by other countries that purchase it. I want to clarify that is the reason that a certain number of tonnes are exported.

Last year, we introduced emergency legislation to deal with the forestry licence issue. We still have a major logjam in the system. Forestry licences are not being issued, which is having a knock-on effect for landowners and farmers, as well as the price of timber in the building market. I understand prices have risen by 45%, which is significantly increasing the cost of building new houses. That has an effect on people with mortgages, etc. If the Minister came before the House, we could introduce whatever further legislation is required to deal with that.

As I travel home by the canal, I have noticed the evenings are becoming dark. I was struck by the large number of people on bicycles, tricycles, mopeds or whatever else. I would estimate that not even 10% are wearing yellow vests, highlight themselves or have lights. It is a danger to be a driver trying to get through Dublin at the minute. I am sure it is the same in all other cities. I want to highlight that. Perhaps we should consider legislation to deal with this, because there is nothing to deal with people who are not wearing yellow vests. As I said, it is a danger for those driving out of the city at present. People are jogging or running or are using mopeds. I want to highlight that issue.