Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I understand the time constraints so I will be as brief as possible. I thank Ms Hurley and Mr. Carlin for the presentation. Following on from the point made by the Chairman regarding just 16% of the timber needed for 2021 being currently licensed, I ask the witnesses to elaborate on that point with regard to afforestation licensing. What percentage of planting is required for next year and what percentage of licensing in that regard is currently available? How many licences are outstanding and what is the delay in this regard? How do the witnesses believe this is affecting Coillte's role in achieving the target of 8,000 ha per annum set out in the programme for Government?

The witnesses made a brief presentation this morning, but their written submission refers to the Mackinnon report. I would like their opinion on how this could or would solve some of the issues, the timeline for its implementation and its effectiveness in solving some of the problems they have highlighted. On ash dieback, when does a native Irish species stop being a native Irish species if we are cloning with seedlings from other countries? What potential difficulties could arise with imported species of a same brand in the Irish climate going forward? There may be issues similar to ash dieback which may affect a tree being grown in Ireland but being cloned from what is not its natural environment.