Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein)
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I thank the Chair and Coillte for its presentations. Before I ask a question, I remind members of the committee about their face coverings and that visors are not exactly appropriate for the health and safety of those of us who are here and the employees.

Why does Coillte appear to be so optimistic about the processing of licences by the forestry appeals committee given that the experience of recent weeks has shown that the issue seems to be with the quality of the decisions that are being made by the Department? If one looks at the week of 6 November, five out of five of the appeals decided had to be remitted back to the Department. In the week of the 30 October, nine out of ten appeals were sent back. In the week of the 23 October, four out of nine of the appeals had to be remitted. Surely the issue is with the quality of the decision being taken at the Department. Why would Coillte be optimist that the backlog can be dealt with? Also, does Coillte apply the same standards of diversity as those in the private sector, such has having 15% broadleaf in each individual plantation, given that Coillte should be the standard bearer on biodiversity when it comes to forestry?