Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Delany. There is considerable concern among all stakeholders over the bark beetle and the major financial implications if it comes into the country. Have we Department personnel in the ports in Scotland where the wood is examined and certified as free of the beetle? Is our approach purely on the basis that we are being told that the parts of Scotland where the timber is felled are classified as free of the beetle? What is being done at the ports? How many personnel have we at the three ports Mr. Delany just mentioned? Exactly what examinations are taking place at those ports? Unfortunately, we have experienced ash dieback and the major devastation it has caused for those unfortunate enough to have it on their land. Twenty years' growth has gone down the Suwannee, causing a great economic loss. However, this would be minuscule by comparison with the financial devastation if the bark beetle got into our spruce plantations.

Have our personnel in Scotland been checking that everything is being certified correctly there. How many personnel have we in the ports here, and what checks are being done in the ports? Is Mr. Delany satisfied, as director of forestry, that he has the resources at his disposal to ensure that there is enough biosecurity in place to ensure the beetle does not get into our country?

The last question is on Northern Ireland and the fact our Border with Northern Ireland is obviously unprotected. Are we happy that the same precautions are being taken in Northern Ireland, with timber coming in from Scotland to Northern Ireland, and that the beetle cannot come into our jurisdiction through the back door?