Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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72. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if further consideration will be given to the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) concerning the horticulture and nursery sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13705/21]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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I have established a working group under an independent chairman, Dr. Munoo Prasad, to examine the issues which had been identified during the Review of the use of Peat Moss in the Horticultural Industry. It is comprised of representatives of the relevant Government Departments, State Bodies, Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations and of various sectors within the horticultural industry.

It is envisaged that the recommendations of the chairman will be issued to me within 6 months of the establishment of the working group. However, an interim recommendation or recommendations may be issued within a shorter period.

The first meeting of the working group took place on 4 March last. At this meeting, the legislative provisions in relation to horticultural peat extraction were discussed as well as the potential for alternatives to the use of peat moss in the horticultural industry. I am advised that the next meeting of the working group is scheduled to take place within the next two weeks.