Mr. Francie Gorman:

I suppose if we get a temporary suspension we will have a more rapid review than if we do not. What we are asking for is the protocols around inspections to be looked at, on both sides of the Border. We want to see staffing numbers in place to ensure that that can take place. We want to see if the legislation is fit for purpose to be able to oversee the whole thing. How long will that take? It can take forever and a day if the political will is not there to drive it on. In emergency situations, a motion can be brought before the Dáil in 24 hours. If the political will is there to get it done in a timely fashion, it can be done. There is no way that we are not talking about months here, to be clear, but it can be done. We just want to see that the proper protocols are put in place and that the staff are put in place to be able to support the inspections that are underpinned by the proper legislation. The idea that cannot be looked into until it comes in, due to EU plant law, is a nonsense. The Department cannot be allowed to hide behind that. It is too serious an issue. If it comes in, it is too late. We have seen it before, whether with ash dieback or disease in animals. Prevention is the best form of cure here. We are not looking for forever and a day. We are looking for it to be done immediately in a timely fashion. I believe that if that is done, we can end up in a better situation than we are in now. The mills might not be supportive of it, but if they do not have a vibrant forestry sector here that grows timber, we are not going to have mills.