Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

This proposal or any proposal to sell the Coillte harvesting rights is madness on a number of counts. It shows again that this Government has lost touch entirely with the people of Ireland because access to the forestry and woodlands, and to mountain areas through those woodlands, is part of what we are as Irish people; it is certainly part of what I am. I was born in a place called Scrouthea, on the northern slopes of the Comeragh Mountains. There were Coillte woodlands east, west and south of where I lived. I was reared in that area. I engaged in walking, hiking, camping, cooking and fishing in those areas. I have 50 years experience in Scouting Ireland, with access to all those woodlands. Generations of young people have enjoyed the access to those woodlands. Their sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters are using those woods today. Very large numbers of visitors use the woods. It is a huge recreational and tourist facility, and it should be developed rather than sold off.

South Tipperary, Tipperary in general and the borders of Waterford is probably one of the most wooded areas in the country. The Comeragh Mountains, the Knockmealdown Mountains, the Galtees, the Glen of Aherlow, Glengarra Wood, Hollyford hills and a range of other areas are part and parcel of the people of south Tipperary and west Waterford. There is a major opportunity, not just for recreation or tourism, but for job creation in this area.

We should use the woodlands and the forestry to create jobs because the private sector has not, is not and will not create the jobs we need. The private enterprise is effectively on an investment strike.

It is simply not in a position to create the jobs we need if the 430,000 people unemployed are to go back to work. Other countries have ensured job creation from forestry - up to ten times more than what we have created.

As I said, this is madness on a number of counts. There are a number of reports, of which Dr. Peter Bacon's is only one. Another came out yesterday from the Irish Timber Council which clearly showed that even on a very short term and short-sighted economic basis, there was no advantage to be gained in selling harvesting rights. As Dr. Bacon said, the case no longer stands up and cannot be justified. He said it would cost the State €1.3 billion, but the Minister has told us the most the State will get for these rights is approximately €500 million. The figures simply do not add up. A number of reports have stated this is the case; this confirms that what is being suggested is madness and the proposal should, therefore, be withdrawn. The Minister should start tonight by withdrawing his amendment and supporting the motion.

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