Agriculture Committee resumes discussion on peat shortages, and CAP

The meeting will be broadcast from Committee Room 3 of Leinster House.

Session 1 – 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm - Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Session 2 – 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm – Representatives from the Women in Agriculture Stakeholders Group (WASG)

Speaking in advance of the meeting, Cathaoirleach, Jackie Cahill TD, said: “The Committee again has a busy day ahead with two meetings, on two equally important issues. We resume our discussion on the impact of peat shortages on the horticulture industry and engage with stakeholders on CAP.

In our first session, we will revisit the ongoing dilemma that is the shortage of peat in Ireland for the horticulture industry. Before the recess we the peat industry employs around 6,600 direct and 11,000 indirect employees in the Irish Horticultural Sector, and this industry is in need of clarification and help.

At the moment, the solution put forward seems to be the importation of peat into this country for this industry. Peat is a natural product of this country. It's nonsensical, that we are importing peat and adding to the cost base for vital rural industries. We need to explore possibilities around a small percentage of our bogs being used to harvest peat for these industries in rural Ireland. The Committee looks forward to discussing this matter with the Minister.”

The Cathaoirleach added: “The Committee also looks forward to meeting with the newly formed Women in Agriculture Stakeholders Group (WASG) and to discuss their call for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to address the issue of achieving gender balance within Irish agriculture on its common agricultural policy (CAP) submission. We welcome a constructive debate with the group.”

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

You can view the meeting in Committee Room 3 on the Oireachtas website.

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.