Pippa Hackett (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

In terms of tracking, currently all areas are mapped and visible as forestry parcels are planted and that will continue under any such scheme we introduce. As the Senator is aware EU law trumps domestic law and we have engaged with the legal advice not only in my Department but in the Office of the Attorney General, who feels that it is acceptable to conduct the scheme, and make the scheme subject to SEAs and AAs.

The points the Senator has raised are valid and will be included in the scheme. To include a list of the suggestions in the primary legislation is not appropriate. We could be returning to it over and back for years to come, adding in other things and taking out others so the best place for them is in the regulations associated with any scheme. As I said at the start, not one tree will be planted under this legislation until the scheme is in place because any trees that are planted without the presence of the scheme will be subject to the current forestry laws and legislation.