The dramatic escalation of the timetable for closure of the two ESB power plants in the midlands stands in stark contrast to the European experience. For example, when the German federal ministry for economic affairs and energy outlined its plan to completely phase out coal no later than 2038 in line with recommendations of the German coal commission, it was able to do so without the closure of any major power stations. We know that unions insisted that workers would not allow themselves to be the victims of those who make big promises in climate policy but let others pay the bill. Will the Minister insist that Bord na Móna and ESB workers receive parity with their European counterparts in terms of employment transition and redundancy measures? Bord na Móna workers are aggrieved regarding redundancy packages, which fall far short of those offered to their Spanish and German counterparts.

The Deputy's time is up. She will be dealing with this issue on Topical Issue matters.

It is a disgrace. We are throwing workers and communities under a bus. The Government is sinking a community and region in order to push a populist policy.

The House will be aware that it was the intention of the Government to have a phased withdrawal from peat. This involved a proposal to co-fire peat with biomass. Unfortunately, An Bord Pleanála rejected that planning application. The ESB carefully evaluated whether it would be possible to secure a successful counter-application to overcome the refusal but, as the Deputy is aware, it indicated last Friday that that would not be possible. Since this possibility first surfaced in the summer, we have been preparing an alternative approach to develop job opportunities for people in the midlands and employees of Bord na Móna. That was reflected in the budget, as well as the work we have done with Europe to get public service obligation moneys to support rehabilitation in the bogs to a very high standard.