Mr. Mark Carlin:

Approximately 400 individual applications are currently in the pipeline. We will also bring in additional contingency applications to ensure we can sustain a good supply of material for our sawmill customers and our contractors. The contractors are generally on long-term contracts with Coillte of three to five years. We want to work with them to ensure they will have continued work, not least at this time of year as we approach Christmas, as well as over the Christmas period, and we are working on that with the Department to try to prioritise licences we believe can get through the system quickly. It is our number one priority and we are engaged with our customers and contractors on the issue, which no doubt exists. We will also engage with the Department on how we can implement new environmental screening and appropriate assessment procedures more efficiently and effectively in order that we will not be in the position again. My understanding from talking to the Department is that the new procedures will put us in a more robust position for the future, although there has been disruption to the normal flow of licences and permits in its implementation.

On the question about private clear felling and reforestation that may not be taken on by the individual who owns the land, there are approximately 1,000 ha of private clear felling per year. On occasion, we are approached to determine our interest in purchasing land and forestry. As we move forward into next year, we will develop an initiative to offer our services in mobilising timber or acquiring land in forestry. We are interested in that area of the business and seek to develop it further.