Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Which one is B12? Regarding forestry, this is something in respect of which I have been working with the Minister of State, Senator Hackett. It is something that has been a real priority for the Department. It is a real crisis. This time last year, in particular, we were in a very difficult position. The supply chain was starting to dry up and it was a very difficult situation. We know the background regarding how it emerged and how the backlog developed. The important thing is that we have been making progress and improving things. The way we will do that is by lifting and increasing the licensing output. We saw the side impact over the summer regarding the change in the consultation process where appropriate assessments are required and through a statutory instrument from another Department that changed the nature around that. We will keep the pressure on to keep those licences up. It is a real priority for everyone. The way we will address it is by at least matching what is coming in the door with what is going out the door and pushing on past that in terms of driving down and eradicating the backlog.