Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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40. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the decision to cease the production of moss peat will be reconsidered in view of the fact that the horticultural sector relies on the product for the growing of trees, shrubs, plants, which in turn are a repository for carbons; if an evaluation has been carried out on the positive aspects of the use of the necessary amount of peat for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9331/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Environmental Protections Agency's National Inventory Report 2020 sets out emissions from different land use sectors. While wetlands, which cover areas used for peat production, was a net emitter of approximately 1.5 Mt CO2 equivalent in 2018, bog rehabilitation and restoration will play a key role in tackling our climate and biodiversity challenges in the coming decades.

To support the role of peatlands in providing nature-based solutions to tackle climate change the Government, in November 2020, approved funding of up to €108m for Bord Na Móna's Enhanced Decommissioning, Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme. This scheme will support a just transition in the Midlands region, while protecting the storage of 100 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and avoiding the release of a further 3.2m tonnes out to 2050; enhance biodiversity; and contribute to Ireland's objective of being climate-neutral by 2050.

My Department has no direct role in relation to the horticulture sector, including the sourcing of peat or peat products for the sector. However, a working group is being established by the Minister of State for Heritage and Local Government Reform in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to examine the future role of peat and the use of peat alternatives in the horticulture sector.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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41. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if it is planned to import peat and peat products to meet the needs of the horticultural sector; if the continued production of peat for this sector will be considered as an alternative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9332/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I refer to the reply to Question No. 205 of 10 December 2020.

My Department has no direct role in relation to the horticulture sector, including the sourcing of peat or peat products for the sector. However, a working group is being established by the Minister of State for Heritage and Local Government Reform in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to examine the future role of peat and the use of peat alternatives in the horticulture sector.