Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her presentation. Before I open to the floor for questions I will make a brief comment. This committee is extremely concerned about the forestry sector at the moment and the serious problems it has. A number of stakeholders have been here over recent weeks. There is huge anxiety about the ability of the sector to survive under the circumstances.

On the issue of ash dieback, I do not believe the response there is sufficient to answer the economic plight being undergone by the people whose operations have suffered this disease. We must be more proactive in addressing their economic plight to give them the encouragement to revitalise their plantations.

I am disappointed that there is no reference in the Minister of State's presentation to the Mackinnon report. That is a key report in trying to sort out a number of the issues in the industry. I am disappointed that there was no reference to the report.

I know that there are detailed questions to be asked. We will take one question at a time and then the Minister of State or her officials will answer.