Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I wish the Minister of State good luck in his new position. I hope the senior Minister, Deputy Coveney, makes the right decision on the proposed sale of the harvesting rights of Coillte. The Government is aware of the huge opposition to the plan to sell off the harvesting rights and I hope the Government has listened to the views of the public that have been clearly stated on that.

The Minister of State is aware the EU timber regulation came into force across Europe on 3 March to deal with the problem of illegal logging, with all the subsequent problems it causes in deforestation and climate change, not to mention tax revenue being lost to states, which has further implications in these difficult financial times. This regulation is important and Ireland must implement it as a matter of urgency. Oddly, given this is a country that can grow trees very quickly and that should have a higher level of afforestation, we import about €500 million worth of timber annually. There is significant potential, therefore, for this country to import illegally logged timber, with all the consequences that can have for us economically.

Why has there been such a delay in fully implementing this timber regulation? When asked in March about it, the Minister said legislation was being prepared but the Minister of State's reply seems to suggest there will not be legislation, so perhaps he might clarify that. When can we expect the introduction of a penalties regime to be brought in so operators who are not scrupulous in ensuring they use legally felled trees will be penalised for doing so? Can the Minister of State give an assurance that the competent authority that was supposed to be set up, but which has not been set up, will be adequately resourced to ensure the proper implementation of the timber regulations and the proper supervision of the industry?

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