Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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586. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an analysis has been conducted on the impact on the horticultural sector following a decision by Bord na Móna decision to suspend all peat harvesting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13016/20]

Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The extent of any commercial impact on the horticulture sector arising from a decision by Bord na Mona to suspend all peat harvesting will depend initially on the level of domestic stocks of horticultural peat on hand, alternative suppliers of peat and the development of alternative growing mediums.

The amenity, soft fruit and mushrooms sectors are the most reliant on milled horticulture grade peat. My Department is participating in a cross-departmental working group led by the former Department of Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht which is evaluating the use of peat in the commercial horticulture sector. Future options around the role and use of peat in the horticulture sector are currently under discussion in the working group.