Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Minister of State up to a point. An argument has been ongoing for some time as to which species are native. The Caledonian pine, as evidenced by Professor Seamus Caulfield's work in the Céide Fields, was here 5,000 years ago. I am not certain whether it is a native species, but it has lived its time and I suggest it is a native species.

I believe there is a significant difference in the extent to which the various varieties can contribute to carbon sequestration. There is an issue in Europe and North America regarding Sitka spruce type trees, which we are told are bad for the fishing industry. However, these types of trees are grown in North America and its fishing has never been better. It has no difficulty with them.

We need to remember that when any wood is burned the only carbon which escapes is that which was sequestered in the first place. Timber is carbon neutral and I ask that everything possible be done to continue research in that area with a view to maximising its potential.

See this speech in context