Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is but it is a major part. There is a large financial implication for us not meeting our carbon targets. We have a big opportunity if we get afforestation right. Unfortunately, it does not appear that we are doing so. We need to refocus and recalibrate. We need to put the emphasis very much on conifers in tandem with broadleaf trees. I fully accept that we need broadleaf trees but they are not commercially viable. The sector has been telling us this for the lifetime of the Government. We earnestly and wholeheartedly have to deliver this message to the Minister of State and the Minister. The confidence certainly is not there despite their best efforts. I know they are very enthusiastic and delivered a very strong message at the ploughing championships but confidence is not sinking in with the farmers or with the forestry sector that supports 12,000 jobs.