Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentation. There was reference to 20 years of growth, and it was stated that this disease is probably going to affect all the ash trees around the country. There are many along the sides of the roads as well, which many people might not notice, and those trees might break in a storm because of this disease. Given the situation that the members of the witnesses' organisation are in, and the witnesses having said that the timber has value as firewood, how can it be got out?

Turning to the scenario of compensation, where do the witnesses stand in that regard? What would solve that issue? Would it be possible to put a price on whatever value might be achievable for felling, splitting and selling the timber for firewood? What would be sown in place of the felled trees? Would it be broadleaf trees or something else? What, then, is the best solution to this problem? Would it be to give a grant for 15 years on a new plantation, and to include the initial grant for planting as well? Will the witnesses give us some ideas in that regard? Was reference made to there being 20,000 ha or 20,000 acres being planted in Ireland?