Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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180. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44223/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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As outlined previously to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, when new organisations are established, be it in forestry or agriculture they are not automatically afforded the same treatment as existing established organisations.

To treat a new established organisation otherwise would incentivise the splintering of an existing representative system. A similar approach was taken for example in respect of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association, INHFA, a number of years ago and the beef plan organisations that were looking to be recognised in the agriculture sector.

SEEFA was launched in the past year and I understand that almost all of its members are already involved in other existing memberships. My Department has for instance , existing relationships with the Irish Farmers Association, the Irish Timber Growers Association, and Forest Industries Ireland, as well as with individual companies.

However, I would like to assure the Deputy that my colleague Minister Hackett has reflected on SEEFA’s position and has committed to meeting them to discuss such concerns in the coming weeks, as stated in the recent Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine held on the 04th October.