Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister knows that peat has been an ongoing hot topic. I would argue that our horticulture sector is perhaps one of the greenest sectors in agriculture. Those in involved in horticulture and mushroom growing want to ensure that everything they do is done in a green and environmentally sustainable way. They want to make sure that their produce is green and branded as such. Now that we are moving into the spring season, I would ask that we finally resolve the issue surrounding peat. We cannot have a situation where this country continues to import peat. There must be a way to support those small growers. I am totally opposed to the use of peat for burning. The Government's science on that is correct, but we need to resolve the issue for those in horticulture and mushroom growing.

I agree with Senator Lombard and others. This is about farmers being seen as front-line contributors to the battle against climate change. We cannot continue to heap blame on farmers and farm families. The Minister's approach has been the correct one and I commend him for his work on that area. I just encourage him to continue do as he has been doing and to continue to be ambitious.