Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising his concerns with me but would point out to him that under the renewed programme for Government, to which he alluded, there is a strong commitment to forestry. I was somewhat enthused by my initial meetings, not just with the forestry liaison group but the officials within the Department and the other people I have met, and the renewed vigour about the forestry sector. It is one of the few indigenous industries. I am fortunate to have two in my folio in terms of fisheries also, an area in which we see great potential for further development.

Coillte has responsibility for almost 7% of the total land mass of this country. It averages out at about 4% per county and therefore is almost the equivalent of two counties. Surely the Deputy is not arguing the case that we should allow that quantity of land to be sterilised or not used for other purposes. There are opportunities that Coillte has identified. I met with the chief executive officer and the chairman of Coillte last week ahead of the report being published and was impressed with their commitment to the programme. As the Deputy is also aware, there is a review of the said forestry policy under which Coillte's operations will come up for review.

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