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

With regard to amendment No. 19, it is implicit in the Bill that felling licences and conditions will generally be in accordance with good forest practice. However, there may be limited circumstances where licences may be issued which do not fall into the category strictly described as "good forest practice".

For example, there may be valid reasons where tree felling is for social or conservation reasons, which may not necessarily be described as good forest practice. Examples might include a forest owner proposing to remove a small area of forest for the creation of a sports ground for a local village or the felling of trees to prioritise the conservation of a protected species. Although the power to attach conditions is provided for in this Bill, the felling licence application process allows for the owner's objectives to be included in the licensing process.
With regard to amendment No. 20, the specification of a level of maturity of trees to be replanted can be accommodated within the standard conditions for tree planting. Therefore, there is no need for this amendment. With regard to amendment No. 21, it is a matter of judgment, having regard to the individual circumstances of each case as to the length of time that should be allowed for replanting to take place. The key to this Bill has been flexibility and workable arrangements that facilitate all involved in forestry. To impose an upper limit of one year as proposed, although not unreasonable, ties the Minister's hands in cases where a more flexible approach may be required. For example, this could happen where natural regeneration is recommended. My preferred approach is to retain the current wording, which states "within such period as may be specified", and for this reason I do not accept this amendment. Certain management practices for forestry must be taken into account, and there may be disease or other issues that must be accommodated at certain times.
With regard to amendment No. 22, under the existing wording, the Minister may "consult any person whom he or she considers to be appropriate".The wording allows for consultation in an unrestricted manner that could include the National Heritage Council, neighbouring landowners or other interested parties, including local authorities, Inland Fisheries Ireland or the National Parks and Wildlife Service where it is considered appropriate. The range of possible consultees is extensive and I do not consider it necessary to specify individual groups. I do not accept this amendment.