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

I thank the Deputy and note he was tweeting earlier today that I would be answering this question. In the first instance, I wish to clarify that this matter relates to alleged irregularities, which are not specifically about Coillte, but which also have a wider perspective. This is an issue the Deputy has mentioned on a number of occasions, both in the Dáil and in the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine. At the time, I asked the Deputy, if he had evidence on which I could act, to give it to me and I would act on it. I also advised that if there were questions which needed to be asked of the Coillte board about any type of fraudulent activity, I also would ask those questions. I have followed up as a result of the evidence the Deputy has provided.

As the Deputy is aware, due to other commitments I was not in a position to meet him personally to obtain the background information but I arranged for relevant senior officials of my Department to meet the Deputy and the members of the sawmilling industry to hear their concerns. That meeting was held on Wednesday, 29 May last and since then, it has been arranged that two officials from the forestry service of my Department would investigate the issue raised. I understand they have thoroughly reviewed the material received and will revert directly to the other attendees at the original meeting, as well as to Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan. I understand they also will be in contact with An Garda Síochána to ascertain the status of a complaint which was previously lodged with it.

Having noted the subject at issue, I am reluctant to discuss this matter without further investigation but I wish to reassure the Deputy, as previously advised by a senior official in my Department, that this issue will be investigated thoroughly and that the Deputy and representatives of the sawmilling industry will be given an update on progress shortly. I understand it was made clear to Deputy Flanagan that the Department would not be in a position to give him a detailed outcome of that investigation by today's Question Time. However, as soon as we credibly can do that, we will give information to the Deputy without delay. I cannot be more helpful than that on this issue.

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