Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

While reading through this annual transition statement, I went to the section on forestry because I have represented many foresters during my time in Leinster House. One of the first things I read was that "Forests will play an important role in meeting EU emissions reductions targets during the 2021 to 2030 period". The statement goes on to note, as we all know, "The Climate Action Plan 2021 sets an afforestation target of 8,000 hectares per year." Unfortunately, despite the expense that has gone into hiring new ecologists for the licensing system, we are still at a stage where the annual target I spoke of is being missed. This is due to years spent disregarding the sector and a licensing system that is dysfunctional. This is a key reason the annual transition statement notes that, "This target is ambitious when compared to recent afforestation rates and will be challenging to meet in the next decade."

The number of afforestation licences being issued is erratic. The largest number of licences issued in May was 18 in a week. At the end of the first week of June, it was a mere five. For the service to reach its target of issuing 1,040 afforestation licences in 2022, an average of 28 licences would need to be issued weekly. We are still falling far short in this regard. It is also noted in the annual transition statement that "key to the success of increasing afforestation rates is to build confidence among landowners of the benefits of forestry". How on earth is confidence in forestry going to be built when foresters are struggling to get the licences they need? What message does this give to potential foresters? We have an ash dieback scheme that foresters continue to tell us is not fit for purpose, but the Government remains wedded to it and the lengthy delays and bureaucratic nightmares that go along with it.

In future, we will see individual Ministers being answerable to their communities annually. I appreciate that when it comes to forestry Ministers have appeared before the relevant joint committee on several occasions, but they must act on what they hear to release the potential forestry has to meet our targets. Unfortunately, we are struggling with a series of setbacks, the legacy of which will remain with us for years. Regarding a comment made by a Deputy who has now left the Chamber, we are not here to bicker. We are an Opposition party and we tell the Government where we feel it is going wrong. We listen to the sector. It would be more in line for the Deputy concerned to listen to the sector as well instead of worrying about what is going on over on this side of the House. It is his job to listen.

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