Ms Imelda Hurley:

Mr. Carlin will pick up the questions about ash, Natura impact statements, the specific detail on the volumes and numbers of applications that we have outstanding and anything else, in the round, that he chooses to pick up on.

In overall terms, it is absolutely correct to say that the market for timber is very strong just now. We have worked very hard on that and will continue to do so.

We are doing everything we can to keep the timber supply chain across Ireland open. We normally supply 75% of the timber, so when we are short of licences, it has a serious impact. It is really difficult when we do not have enough timber to supply our customers. It is really difficult when we have contractors and we know of contractors who do not have work because their machines are parked so it is a very difficult situation.

In respect of the question on increasing the volume of licences to get us licensed by the end of the year - the 2.3 million cu. m, the importance of this is that it would allow us to have a form of normal operations - not a perfect but a form of normal operations - going into 2021. It would allow us to have an annual contract event with our customers, which is a normal event we have every October to contract volume, and to plan for some normal timber auctions over the course of next year. The challenge if the volumes did not increase would be around the fact that we would continue as we are in the current crisis through 2021 because the volumes have become so low. The level of volume that is coming through means that it would be more about continuing to operate on a very short-term basis, which brings real challenges in terms of an industry having confidence and, ultimately, our customers being comfortable that they can contract with their customers.

In terms of the millions of plants that may not be destined for Scotland, we recognise that the level of afforestation that will be achieved this year will be nowhere near what it needs to be. The situation is really difficult where this level of plants have been grown and are ready but there is no place they can ultimately go. Coillte sees this as an industry issue. Yes, we have a very large challenge because we are such a large operator but this is an industry challenge and it is important there is confidence across the industry. I have been in the business for a year. I have spent a year working really hard on this. Many things have evolved and developed over the year. Now there is clarity about what needs to be done to make an application, what needs to be submitted, a Natura impact statement, NIS, etc. This is where I go back to putting the resources in place to ensure the volume of licences comes through, the licences are felling, road and afforestation licences and appeals are heard.

There have been a varying level of appeals over the year. The number has been higher in some months. In respect of assuming a rate of 20% continues, we have a system that allows people to appeal. What we need is a forestry appeals committee that turns appeals around within a two-month timeframe. Our job in Coillte and the job of the broader industry is to plan for enough time for licensing so we need to know how long it takes and have enough time for appeals to go through. We need to make applications as early as is required.