Agriculture Committee resumes debate on horse racing in Ireland, and peat shortages

·        Session 1: (09:30 - 11:30) – Committee Room 2 – Issues relating to the Horse Racing Industry with officials from Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

·        Session 2: (15:30 - 17:30) – Committee Room 3 – Impact of peat shortages on the horticulture industry with officials from Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, officials from Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Speaking in advance of the meeting, Cathaoirleach, Jackie Cahill TD, said: “The Committee has had the opportunity over the last few weeks to discuss with relevant individuals, bodies, and organisations about horse racing in Ireland and the policies and procedures in place. The hearings have given them the time and place to debate the issues and highlight their own concerns.

“The Committee welcomed the debate about the industry in general and opportunity to raise broader policy concerns about horse racing in Ireland with the various bodies and we look forward to continuing this very important conversation with the Department, allowing the Committee Members to raise matters highlighted in our recent hearings.”

Deputy Cahill added: “The Committee will resume the debate on the impact peat shortages have had, and are still having, on the horticulture industry in Ireland and the livelihoods of direct and indirect workers and businesses involved. Until there is a viable economic alternative for peat, these industries need to be able to harvest home-grown peat. The Committee needs clarity around this matter and whether the Government plans, and the work of the Just Transition Commissioner, will help keep these businesses viable in the future. This is an extremely urgent issue and the sector needs answers.”

The Joint Committee on Agriculture and the Marine has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

More information can be found on the dedicated Committee Webpage. Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.