Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

If only afforestation is mentioned, we run the risk of missing an important element that is required in the balance, namely, our need to produce timber. Many timber mills depend on timber production. While we need to achieve a balance in terms of native broad leaves, for example, sycamore, spruce and so on, it is important, under the functions being given to the Minister, that it be clearly stated as a basic principle that he should have an obligation to ensure enough timber is available to meet demand. Timber production would be in addition to, not in substitution for, afforestation, which is a desirable initiative on its own. There should be a balance.