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

I accept what the Senator says about Ministers having a different view or not being as passionate about this as I am. I would hope that a Minister responsible for forestry would have a particular interest in the brief, which is so important. Trees are part of what we are.

People have a huge connection with them. I am not sure if the Senator was present for the debate on Second Stage, which was very informative on the whole process. I always would have liked to see a person who is committed to the forestry sector holding the forestry brief. I have learned from my dealings with the people involved in the sector that they are extremely committed and dedicated to it and they feel very much a part of it. The sector is part of our environment, part of what we grow and part of what we are.

Normally I would impose a replanting order. That is the thrust of what has been done but exceptional circumstances can occur. The recent wind-blow caused ground disturbances. I was on sites in Kerry, Limerick and elsewhere around the country where damage was caused. All of those places are being replanted other than in such cases of exceptional circumstances where, for example, the ground has been disturbed near a river. When big trees that are 10 or 15 years old fall they disturb a great deal of clay. If replanting in such areas would have a negative effect on the environment, replanting should not occur. I hope that clarifies the issue.