Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chair for facilitating me under great time constraints. We understand and are familiar with the contents of the Mackinnon report. We were hoping that the Minister of State would say, and perhaps she will say it on Thursday, that the report will be fully implemented. This is what needs to happen. The Minister of State and I are in the same constituency, Laois-Offaly. People there see that the forestry sector is on its knees. Everyone in this sector is affected from sawmills to harvesting to haulage. We are going to see more job losses if solid action is not taken very soon.

Is the Minister of State aware that the cost to engage specialists, such as ecologists, archaeologists, engineers, hydrologists, etc., can be between €1,000 to €5,000? This is not sustainable or fair, particularly to small landowners or participants.

Will the Minister of State consider extending the 2004 Act to introduce new exemptions? This was mentioned already in terms of forest road construction and thinning. Farmers who planted land in good faith need to be supported when acts of God occur, such as frost, wind or pest damage. Will the Minister of State give a commitment to the reintroduction of the reconstitution scheme?

My final question is directed to Mr. Hayes. Last week I heard the Department forcefully defend forestry for the first time, following misrepresentation on the calculation of carbon storage by trees. Why has the senior inspectorate of the forest service not defended the forestry sector? Instead it has allowed the industry to be attacked, constantly, by individuals and other Departments and NGOs.