Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I played hurling reasonably well and would have a game with the Deputy if he wishes.

While the country should be self-sufficient in ash by 2020, hurley makers will have to import ash in the meantime. I understand from the regulations introduced by the Minister on 7 November that any imported ash will have to be squared so as to remove entirely the rounded surface or be free of bark and have a water content of less than 20%. These requirements will impose considerable additional costs on hurley makers who will have to be given a subsidy if they are to avoid imposing these costs on consumers, that is, young boys and girls who play hurling and camogie. Deputy Ann Phelan asked whether a subsidy will be made available for ash growers. Will a subsidy be made available to hurley makers to avoid them passing on additional costs to consumers?

Bark is one of the means of spreading ash dieback disease. Firewood, much of which is imported, is not subject to the same level of documentation as ash plants imported for the purposes of making hurleys. Ash could be present in a large bundle of mixed woods, for example, or ash residue could be present at the bottom of a shipment of firewood. How will this matter be monitored at ports of entry? I commend the Minister on taking an all-Ireland approach to the problem.

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