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

We have spent much time discussing this important aspect of the Bill. This Bill intends to encourage landowners across the country to plant more forestry in marginal land. Up to 6,500 hectares are planted every year but the programme for Government calls for up to 14,000 hectares. As a landowner myself, I know opting for forestry is a significant commitment. If a farmer changes from breeding one stock to another, for example, it can easily be reversed. Forestry, however, is a commitment for many years. This legislation will make it amenable for landowners to make a decision to move into forestry.

We are all agreed about the benefits of afforestation to rural communities. Only last week, I visited Munster Joinery’s factory in Cork, a firm which employs over 1,000 people in rural areas. There is no industry that I know that can generate such good and environmentally sound employment in rural areas.

All Members who have contributed to this amendment have made strong points on the issue in question. However, we have received legal opinion from the Attorney General on this which caused a delay in the Bill’s progress. While I would have liked to have the Bill enacted earlier, it is important it is done right. As a Minister, I cannot go against the legal advice of the Attorney General to the Government. This amendment has been drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel on foot of that advice.

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