Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

With regard to the forestry (amendment) Bill, a comprehensive review of the sector, including potential legislative implications, commenced in the latter part of 2005 and a consultative group, representative of all the stakeholders, has concluded its evaluation. It will meet again before the end of the year to finalise matters. That should provide for the completion of the Bill. A great deal of work has been done and, while the heads have not been agreed, hopefully, if the work is completed before Christmas, which it should be, we can proceed with the legislation.

We are still working on the Bill relating to withholding land for planning permission. The Bill is at an advanced stage and it is still hoped to try to deal with it.

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