Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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592. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will review correspondence (details supplied); if he will provide an update on same to the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14091/21]

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 with another taking place on 18 March. I am advised that a recommendation as regards the legislative provisions in relation to horticultural peat extraction is to be prepared, with a view to submission to me after the next meeting of the working group, scheduled for mid-April.