Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

267. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when the report from the working group on the review of the use of Peat Moss in the Horticultural Industry was presented to him; when it will be published; and the deliberations that were undertaken in the intervening time. [53778/21]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I received the final report of the Chair of the Working Group mentioned by the Deputy on 20 October 2021. I am considering the report carefully with a view to publishing it in due course. I am very grateful for the work of Dr. Prasad, the members of the working group and all who contributed to the report.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

268. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will address the crisis facing the Irish horticulture sector owing to the effective ban on indigenous peat harvesting; if he will seek the immediate publication of the report of the working group on the use of Peat Moss in the Horticultural Industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53793/21]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My statutory remit and responsibility as Minister does not include regulation of the harvesting or supply of horticultural peat. However, to assist in addressing the important issues around horticultural peat for domestic purposes, I set up an Independent Working Group under the Chair of Dr. Munoo Prasad. The potential of alternatives to the use of peat moss in the horticultural industry was examined extensively by the group, together with a number of related issues.

I received the final report from the Chair of the Independent Working Group on 20 October. I am considering the report carefully with a view to publishing it in due course. I am very grateful for the work of Dr. Prasad, the members of the working group and all who contributed to the report.