Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

48. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department will assist in the provision of compensation to the peat harvesting contractors; and if he will meet the industry, including the Just Transition Commissioner, to allow it make recommendations for a fair and equitable just transition that adequately compensates and offers financial incentives to provide alternatives for this industry. [2683/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As Bord na Móna is a commercial State company, operating under the Turf Development Acts, I, as Minister, do not have a statutory function in relation to its commercial or operational matters.

Mr Kieran Mulvey was appointed as the Just Transition Commissioner on a non-statutory basis to facilitate discussions and work with stakeholders to develop, mobilise, and deliver opportunities for the Midlands for both those directly affected by the move away from peat harvesting and the wider community. As part of his role, the Commissioner has been asked to meet with those affected and to make recommendations on actions or measures that he believes could assist in the just transition.