Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Regarding amendment No. 6, I remind Deputies that the Government introduced an amendment to section 5(l) on Committee Stage, which reads "to promote the production and use of timber". Therefore, this issue has been adequately addressed.

As regards amendments Nos. 14 and 68, section 5 already provides to the Minister a number of promotional functions in facilitating the development of forestry, which in turn will contribute to a competitive timber industry and the creation of jobs in rural Ireland. Paragraph (b) reads: "to promote the development of forests and forest-related activities and industries in such a way that forests provide an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable yield of forest goods and services, while maintaining and enhancing their biological diversity". Paragraph (k) reads: "to promote the development and marketing of a quality-based forest industry sector". Paragraph (l) reads: "to promote the production and use of timber". Section 30(4)(b) reads: "promoting the development of forests and forest-related activities and industries in such a way that forests provide an economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable yield of forest goods and services, while maintaining and enhancing their biological diversity". I am satisfied that adequate provision has been made to meet the objective identified by the Deputy and do not see the need for repetition in sections 5 and 30. Therefore, I cannot agree to these amendments.

Previously, I explained the constraints under competition law precluding the Minister from interfering in markets. People have a right to decide when and to whom they sell their timber. However, it should be noted that, through the promotion of afforestation, I am effectively increasing the outputs of primary producers and working towards the continuity of and increase in supplies.

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