Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. White and Mr. O'Connell for coming in today and for their excellent opening statement outlining the issue and the importance of forestry in tackling many of the problems that lie ahead of us. They find themselves in a very challenging situation.

My question is similar to the line of questioning taken by Deputy Carthy on the origins of the disease. Was the importation of ash due to a price difference between the imported seedlings and the native seedlings and is that ultimately what led to the disease coming into this country?

My second question has been somewhat answered already but the witnesses can feel free to elaborate. It relates to the categories of support available under the scheme and the three options there. I think Mr. White said that he did not see any likely uptake for the scheme. Is it the case that he does not see potential for the scheme at all?