Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 38:

In page 10, between line 33 and 34, to insert the following:“8. (1) The Minister should establish a working group based on the Forestry Liaison Group, with balanced representation for the social, environmental and economic stakeholders.
(2) The working group may create sub-groups to issue advice on specific areas when required in consultation with the Minister.
(3) The working group should have input in setting of agendas and work.
(4) The working group should act as a link between international and national forest policies.
(5) The terms of reference of the working group should be set by the stakeholders and be guided by the Rio Forest Principles.”.

This amendment was tabled on behalf of Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett and its intention is good. It is an attempt to recognise that there are more stakeholders in the forestry sector than forestry producers or growers, semi-State companies and the State. It envisages the establishment of a liaison group to guide policy work in this area comprising non-governmental organisations, NGOs, the environmental sector, the industry and the Department. In the legislation the Minister also envisages the establishment of committees. This proposal should be given due consideration and taken on board. Perhaps the Minister of State might come up with a wording on Report Stage that would achieve the same aim but which would be more acceptable.