Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The cost of non-compliance has been mentioned; there may be fines in the billions of euro per year, whereas the dividends to the State from Coillte are approximately €27.7 million. Therefore, it may not be financially prudent or the best value for the State if it gets a small amount back in dividends as a result of a focus on short-term cash and delivery for shareholders rather than maximising this resource. It is not just about the fines as it sets an example where better value could be got than the massive subsidisation that the State will give to the private sector to encourage them to plant accordingly. From a value-for-money perspective, is it not time to shift and use this resource more effectively?