Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Amendments Nos. 15 and 15a are being addressed together as they both relate to the provision of statistics at local electoral area. My Department provides very comprehensive forestry statistics on a weekly basis through the forestry dashboard. Information is provided on afforestation, eroding and felling. Monthly statistics are also provided on a broader range of statistics that are available on the Department's website. At the end of each year, comprehensive statistical information is provided on county basis in the annual forest sector statistics publication.

The requirement to provide these statistics is not statutorily based, but has evolved over time to meet the requirements of stakeholders in the forest sector. This allows for changes to be readily made to the information being sought. My preferred approach is to retain this current flexible approach to providing statistics.

The request tabled in this amendment was recently the subject of a parliamentary question. My Department confirmed that the level of afforestation per local electoral area and the level of which is broadleaf will be provided by the end of March of this year. For these reasons, I cannot accept amendments Nos. 15 and 15a.