Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The general trend is along that line of thought. The issues raised by all of the delegates have a common thread running through them, with slightly different perspectives, particularly on the management plan which should include the felling licence. Others have stated there should also be an indication of replanting intentions before the clear felling licence is granted. From the point of view of efficiencies within the process, apart from the timelines involved, if the objectives are achieved, whereby there are extra forest plantations, the current administrative structure is already under pressure. On limiting it to five year licences and making all of the other demands on the system, the only aspect in respect of which there is a deadline concerns the supply of information within 28 days. Some of us met the officials and suggested a period of 90 days; the delegates have suggested 12 weeks, which is more or less the same. There are many common threads running through the submissions of the various interest groups in the sector which I hope have been fed to the departmental officials and the Minister. We have found the officials receptive to the submissions made so far. The Minister is due to appear before the committee on 25 February to take Committee Stage and the points made have been well noted. One of the fundamental issues in the forest industry is that one cannot grow trees without foresters. For that reason, we were keen to have the Society of Irish Foresters which represents qualified foresters to appear before the committee to get its perspective on the issues involved.

This has been a useful meeting. As this is a public meeting the issues discussed will feed into the debate. As this is the last submission to be made at this stage, we will ask the departmental officials to read the transcripts of all the submissions and presentations made to the committee and take on board the concerns expressed. They centre on the issues of replanting and management plans and are not at odds. Only rarely have the submissions made been at great odds with each other. Much common sense has been demonstrated by many delegates and I expect much of what has been said to be taken on board. That is my request to the officials.

I thank the delegates for their attendance and making their presentation to the committee. This marks the conclusion of our hearings on the Forestry Bill 2013. We will probably discuss our own position in advance of Committee Stage on 25 February.