Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are proceeding with caution. Nothing is being rushed. I will be bringing a recommendation to Government on this within months if not weeks. Certainly, we understand the concerns across the broader timber industry in respect of proceeding.

We have an obligation to look at the potential of all State assets and the appropriateness of their sale. We will give our full consideration to this asset and when the Government has had an opportunity to discuss and decide on the recommendations, I, in conjunction with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, will bring to the Cabinet, we will come back for a full debate.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

A steering group comprising representatives of NewERA, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department was formed to monitor the analysis process. This group has met regularly and also formally met Coillte and representatives of the Coillte trade unions and the Irish Timber Council. I am regularly briefed by my officials on progress and the points of concern expressed at such meetings. I addressed a number of these concerns, including public access to Coillte lands and the crucial importance of Coillte for the country’s timber industry, in my contribution to the Private Members' debate last month. As I have said previously, the decision will be taken by the Cabinet when either the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform or I, or, more likely, both of us, have brought a report and recommendation to the Government, at which time it will be discussed and a decision made.

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