Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I reject the notion that there has not been good consultation with the Department, with myself and the Minister of State, Senator Hackett and the sector. I would say there has never been more consultation. There have undoubtedly been real and significant challenges. This time last year we were in a real crisis situation around the supply of wood. We passed emergency legislation then with the co-operation and support of the members here and with cross-party support. Thankfully, we have worked ourselves into a better position but there is still a lot of work to do. However the situation is improving and progressing, and we are in a much better position now than this time last year.

There has been immense consultation throughout. Project Woodland was established with three different project streams to look at how we can make our system work more effectively and look at what is happening internationally and try to implement any agreed changes that could improve the system. That is ongoing. Those project streams and work groups have been working all the time. That is representative of all stakeholders. Both myself and the Minister of State have had regular meetings with industry representatives as well. Consultation has been really strong and will continue to be. It will be strong on this measure also if we get the co-operation of the Oireachtas to facilitate the capacity to develop such a scheme and to engage and get views on how we can put in place a scheme that will work and be successful.

While there have undoubtedly been challenges there has been immense and deep consultation. There may not be satisfaction in the industry. Indeed, none of us have been satisfied. The Department is not satisfied about where things have been over the past year but we are all working to improve things and make progress. Thankfully I feel we are doing that.