Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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660. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the shutdown of the horticultural peat industry in Ireland will seriously impede growers of crops (details supplied) in Ireland and will have dramatic negative effects on the commitment included in the programme for Government to support the horticultural industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18993/20]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, 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 and soft fruit 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.

My Department, recognising the importance of the horticultural sector continues to provide a range of dedicated supports. These include the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture which provides support to all sectors within horticulture at a rate of 40% on capital investments.

On a broader level, the EU producer organisation scheme operated by my Department provides EU assistance at a rate of 50% to Producer Organisations implementing measures that support competitiveness, market development and research and innovation through approved operational programmes.  Indeed, in relation to the question posed, my Department is funding research projects examining the scope for peat reduction and peat alternatives through one of the Producer Organisations operating in the fruit and vegetable sector.