Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will ask the questions Deputy Fitzmaurice has put forward as they might cover some of the issues. Then we can take it from there. As I mentioned, we are getting conflicting reports as to the preparedness of the industry for the ban on creosote. These five questions are from Deputy Fitzmaurice and are directed at Mr. Geoghegan. What material will he supply his customers with in April? What effect will the ban have on fencing contractors? What is the labour cost for a fencing contractor to erect stakes on a per stake basis for a farmer? What is the lifespan difference in creosote-treated timber and locally produced tanalised timber that the local sawmills sell? Are there plastic or steel alternatives on the market, and if so, how do they compare with timber?

Deputy Fitzmaurice has a number of questions for Mr. O'Connor as well. I will go through them all together. First, what effect will the ban have on his business and can he supply his customers this year with an alternative product? Second, will PDM have problems to hold staff numbers? Third, when will PDM use Tanasote, a new chemical that is to replace creosote? Fourth, how many countries are now licensed to use Tanasote to treat timber?

The Deputy has a question for the other two witnesses. What percentage of their business is creosote timber and what replacements have they got organised? How many retail shops does Mr. Padraig McConn supply? Will there be a shortage of fencing materials this year?

There is a fairly comprehensive list of questions there from Deputy Fitzmaurice. The panel can take them in order. It is a fairly comprehensive outline of the issues with them. Whoever wants to go first may proceed.