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

I thank the Senator for the points that he has raised.

With regard to amendments No. 13 and 30, the list of native tree species detailed in section 2 of the Schedule includes all native tree species and for that reason also includes the yew species. There are a small number of naturally occurring yew forests in Ireland, which are a protected habitat type and, therefore, the inclusion of the yew in any scheme will need to be carefully considered to ensure that the integrity of the existing new forests are not compromised.

While yew can be poisonous, as the Senator outlined, it is a native species and, if appropriately sited, has value to be included in the scheme. Individual yew trees are commonly associated with hazel and holly, and are an important woodland type found mainly on shallow limestone soils. It will not be mandatory for any landowner to plant yew. Further consideration will be given to the inclusion of yew during the completion of the strategic environmental assessments, the findings of which will be incorporated into the scheme and its associated qualifying criteria.