Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Similar questions were asked by Deputies Carthy, Leddin and others. Significant financial losses have been suffered by forestry growers. That has been clearly established. Deputies Carthy and Leddin inquired about the importation of the ash trees. When, why and under whose authority were they imported and were they inspected on arrival?

Deputy Fitzmaurice asked a question on what would be a cost-effective scheme. You will never get back the financial loss you have suffered as a result of this valuable crop being lost, but what would allow you to clear the site in question whereby people would be tempted to replant? I believe that is a synopsis of what Deputy Fitzmaurice was saying. We will have officials from the Department before the committee in the next couple of weeks. You are the growers, and you say this ash was imported 20 or 25 years ago. What biosecurity was involved and what questions have been asked of the officials up to now as regards what precautions were taken with the importation of the ash?