Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are two final points that I want to make. One is in regard to forestry, in particular our targets versus the reality that we are facing, notwithstanding any improvements that have been made towards the latter end of 2022. The figures I have going back to 2016 show a dramatic reduction in afforestation targets. My understanding is that in 2021, we were at 25% of our target, and I do not have the figure for 2022. Will the Minister comment in regard to the knock-on effect that has, not just in terms of the ability of the State to meet its afforestation targets, but also in terms of decarbonising construction, something the committee has spent a great deal of time on, and in regard to the promotion of timber frame dwellings versus the use of carbon-heavy concrete? Currently, as I know from the committee this week, 48% of houses delivered in 2022 were done with timber frame, but I assume the vast majority of that timber frame is being imported. I ask the Minister to comment.