Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Little and Mr. Glennon for their presentations. With regard to Mr. Pat Glennon's presentation and the requests to meet the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, I think the refusals are deplorable. There is an obligation on Ministers to meet representatives of sectors contributing to the economy of the country. This is particularly true in respect of the contribution of 1.3% of total GDP and almost €555 million in exports. It was wrong that they were not afforded the opportunity to meet the Ministers.

The witnesses made reference to officers of the State entering land or businesses to seize equipment and so forth. It is very similar to what is happening in the farming sector, where officers of the State have unlimited power to enter land. Does it require a warrant? I have major concerns about that if it gives unrestricted powers to people to enter land and do what they believe needs to be done without the legal requirement of a warrant.

The witnesses believe there is no commercial justification for public entities to engage in harvesting and associated haulage activities. I assume they are referring to Coillte. Why do the witnesses have a problem with that? Some people think of Coillte becoming the incubator to supply the industry rather than the other way around. Coillte has served us very well and we are delighted a State company will not be sold to private enterprise. Across the political spectrum, we were concerned about that.

The witnesses make reference to forestry land being replanted as it is felled. The Bill envisages the Minister prescribing species to be planted on such land. Why do the witnesses have a problem with that? One would assume the provision is not definitive in that the Minister may prescribe it.

The witnesses referred to a 20-year horizon that would carry over if the entity is sold from one company to another. That is a serious issue and it penalises the recipient for the wrongs of the previous owner. I have looked at the recommendations made by the witnesses and given them full consideration. We will have a meeting in the coming weeks on this point. I thank the witnesses for their presentations and I would appreciate replies to my questions.