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

The amendment proposes to insert the native Irish or Burren pine on the list of native tree species. I take it that the Senator is referring to the small population of Scots pine in the Rock Forest in County Clare, which is said to be derived from the original native Scots pine trees. While people refer to these tress as native Irish or Burren pine, these trees are still considered Scots pine and will, therefore, be eligible to be considered for inclusion in any future scheme aimed at planting native tree areas.