Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I thank Mr. McKenna for appearing before us. The committee is very interested in this matter. There is cross-party concern in the context of ensuring that whatever happens will be in the long-term best interests of the forestry sector. We must also bear in the mind the public interest in light of the significant amount of land at issue here. We will be inviting before us a number of interested parties from the private sector who will be given the opportunity to place their opinions on the public record. We will not complete our hearings by the end of the year. During the review process, we hope NewERA and the steering group will take cognisance of what comes through. I know there has already been engagement with the latter. However, this committee is a public forum by means of which individuals and stakeholders in the sector can avail of the opportunity to place their observations on the public record. Mr. McKenna will be made aware of when those meetings will take place.

I thank Mr. McKenna for giving very clear and frank answers to the questions, with the exception of that posed by Senator O'Brien. However, I do not believe the Senator expected an answer. We wish Mr. McKenna well for the next two years. His hopes of an early retirement next October might be dashed. As this process evolves further, he is probably as well placed as anyone to provide a considered opinion.

Is it agreed that the joint committee will inform the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, that we have concluded our discussion with Mr. McKenna and will forward a copy of the transcript of this meeting to him for information? Agreed.