Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Today, we show yet again how the Seanad makes a difference. On behalf of the Fine Gael group, the Leader of the House, Senator Doherty, together with Senator Robbie Gallagher, presented the cross-party Horticultural Peat (Temporary Measures) Bill 2021 today. The Bill shows how we can deal with the practical impact of the lack of peat for the horticultural industry, and that industry only. Currently, peat is being imported, which does not make sense. The Bill shows how to deal with those practical impacts. It is a temporary measure and will support growers. Only 0.12% of the total of Irish peatland is required to deliver the measure. As highlighted by Senator Doherty, importing peat involves high monetary and environmental costs. It is practical temporary step we can put in place until there is a viable alternative. Limiting the number of licences will also ensure it is used for the domestic market only. It is a practical measure that will be in place only for a short time until we have practical alternatives. It is a measure that will prevent the higher costs of importing peat into this country.I thank Senator Doherty for working on cross-party lines and for working with us as well to pass the Bill.