Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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We will resume the meeting in public session. Before we begin, I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off completely. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Andrew Doyle, and his officials. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss with the Minister of State the challenges in the forestry sector in the context of the climate action plan. The joint committee also requested that the Minister of State comment on the impact of ash dieback on woodlands.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite the Minister of State to make his opening statement. I ask him to be as concise as possible.