Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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I thank Ms Gray for her presentation. How much of current profitability is made up of wind farms and wind farm assets within the overall Coillte book? I would be interested in finding that out because it is a move away from Coillte's core business. I wonder what the driver for that is. Much of Coillte's land seems to be set aside for wind farms rather than for forestry. What will the future development of that look like?

As Senator Mulherin mentioned, the type of forestry used involves more industrial use. It does not serve a purpose in offsetting carbon. While it does serve such a purpose when it is growing, when it is being cut down, it releases carbon. How will that be developed in the future? Coillte has a responsibility to keep its two sawmills going but there are additional requirements.

I understand that Coillte is subject to the Forestry Act 1988. Is this Act up to date and fit for purpose? Would it be beneficial if it was amended to facilitate climate change and public responsibilities the company will have in the future? Ms Gray may not be familiar with this yet but I would like to hear about continuous cover forestry. How will that be developed? Is it something in which Coillte could become involved to ensure continuous forestry growth rather than the clear felling that happens at the moment where one plants, waits for 20 years, clear fells the area and plants again? With continuous cover, one would pick and choose so that there would be a canopy all the time, which would be more sustainable. Does Ms Gray have any views on that?