Pippa Hackett (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Deputy has looked at the new proposed forestry programme for Ireland for the next five years. If he has, and if he compares it with the previous programmes, he will see a step change in what the programme offers our farmers across the country.

The Deputy will also be aware that we have a timber industry in Ireland. He might not value it and he might not value the jobs it creates in rural areas. The Deputy might not place value on it but I do. We have to strike a balance with our forestry programme. We have a massive challenge ahead with climate action. The Deputy knows that. We have a massive challenge ahead with biodiversity and water quality. We all know that. Forestry will play a significant role in the future of Ireland in terms of our land use and incomes, whether in respect of farmers or creating jobs. I must strike that balance. Life is not black and white. The Deputy might have a black and white view of life but I do not. I must strike that balance.

I must bring as many people with me as possible. We must deliver a forestry programme that works for the environment, works with communities and works for farmers. We have learnt lessons from the past and we know what does not work. To say we cannot have any sitka spruce ever again in Ireland is, quite frankly, a naïve approach.

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