Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 5 July 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Update on Ireland's Forestry Strategy: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Photo of Victor BoyhanVictor Boyhan (Independent)
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I expected a lot more today. We have talked and talked about the strategy. The witnesses came in to give us an update on the strategy but I do not think they are prepared. Either they are not prepared or they are not prepared to answer the questions. I will suggest to the committee that we have the witnesses back. I think they need to go away, do their homework and get back here as soon as possible with facts. We are here to elicit information, not to be told the Department is working hard and negotiating. We need to move beyond that. We do not doubt the witnesses are working hard and are committed and that there is a forestry strategy. There are the EIA, AA and SEA processes. There are many outstanding issues and I do not see us making any progress in the coming months. That is shocking. I am surprised the witnesses have not been able, willing or prepared to share where we are. They have been unable or unprepared to enlighten us and we are no wiser. That is disappointing. What they are saying is what we have heard already. We need another session and to get the Ministers back in here to answer some questions.