Bord na Móna

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021

Wednesday, 13 January 2021

Questions (62)

Carol Nolan

Question:

62. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question 51 of 16 July 2020, if his Department will assist in the provision of compensation to peat harvesting contractors that made significant investments in peat harvesting machinery prior to the sudden and unexpected announcement of the suspension of all peat harvesting for the 2020 season by Bord na Móna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44732/20]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I have no function in relation to commercial or operational decisions or activities, or the management of stock by Bord na Móna. Similarly, as Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications I have no remit in relation to the horticulture sector or the sourcing of peat for the sector. As set out in my reply to Question No. 205 of 10 December 2020, officials from my Department will engage with their counterparts in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and other relevant Departments on the matter and on the potential longer term solutions for the sector.  

In terms of direct support, it should be noted that my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine provides financial support to the sector through the Scheme of Investment for the Development of the Horticulture Sector.