Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

What are the views of the Department officials on manufacturing companies having to import timber to the country, especially when we have very good timber on the island of Ireland? How do they explain to manufacturers that we cannot cut timber because of felling licences?

The second question is to the Department. How does the Department explain to forestry nurseries that we are behind on our targets and that the Department and the Government are not reaching their targets? We are in a situation now where they will have to dump millions of trees. The nurseries were told the Department would meet its targets. How can we explain to these people that we have to get rid of these trees now? They were ready for selling or producing but they now have to be dumped.

I have been frustrated with the Department for the past two years. I do not blame people. I have listened to all the speakers. I do not blame farmers and people who do not plant in this country because they are so frustrated with what is going on. I know an elderly couple who want to get their affairs in order. They regret the day they ever got involved in forestry. They have been waiting three years - since 2019. I have been in contact with the Department on this case, including in writing, and I have tabled questions in the Dáil. I will not call out the reference number now but I will email it after this meeting. I am asking Mr. Hayes to personally investigate this matter to see what is going on. This is not acceptable. The reference number is from 2019 and it is now 2021. These people are so frustrated that they would love to get out of forestry. They are caught in a contract with a private company and cannot get out, but they want to get out. We want a decision on this particular case. I would like the official to answer these questions for me.