Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. This is a timely motion, and I commend Senator Boyhan on bringing such positive proposals forward. We need to ensure that communities and environmental ambition are at the heart of any proposal that emerges in this regard. The motion does not make any direct reference to the topical Coillte joint venture but it is important to take the opportunity to raise it once again. For us in Sinn Féin the best approach to afforestation is supporting farmers, public bodies and Coillte. It was highlighted during the recent Gresham House debacle that this type of vehicle was required to allow Coillte access to forestry grants-premiums again but the Minister has since acknowledged that the new State aid rules that came into effect on January 1 may allow Coillte direct access to these supports. In terms of the recent joint venture he must, in the first instance, issue a new shareholder letter of expectation instructing Coillte not to proceed with any similar ventures. He should then consider all options for disengaging from the Gresham House venture. The Coillte deal will see millions of euro in public funds used to subsidise the purchase of huge swathes of Irish land by a British investment company. The investment provided by Gresham House is completely unnecessary because if a workable forestry regulatory framework were in place farmers could simply plant for themselves. We have all heard how the deal was done behind closed doors and has been rightly criticised by a broad cross-section of stakeholders. It is a rare occasion when environmental NGOs and the farming lobbies have come together on a single point.I hope it continues into the future. Such an occasion bears marking, particularly when all the stakeholders are opposed to such a deal.

We all agree that Ireland needs significant levels of forestry if we are to meet our climate obligations. As with everything to do with climate action, it cannot be done without the engagement and buy-in from local communities and farmers. A just transition is all about bringing local communities along with us. The Government has overseen the disengagement of those stakeholders from forestry and the Coillte proposal has not helped to mend those bad feelings.

There are problems with Coillte but it is part of a larger systemic problem with semi-State agencies. Other commercial semi-State bodies are in a similar bind. Replies to parliamentary questions tabled by my colleague, Deputy Ó Broin, revealed that the climate Act obligation on public bodies to pay heed to the climate action does not apply to semi-State bodies. That is of great concern to those of us who spent a long time on the pre-legislative scrutiny of the climate Act. We pointed out that semi-State bodies should be subject to the obligations of the climate Act. That means that the main polluting entities within Government control, Dublin Airport Authority, as the single biggest polluter, and Bord na Móna are not obliged.

The motion is about a national forestry fund, an idea that certainly merits discussion. As the wording of the motion highlights, there is no consensus on the type of model. Some research by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, UNFAO, reveals that some national forest funds are supported through general taxation while others are about investment opportunities. I accept Senator Paul Daly's concerns about potential risks with the proposal if it were to be funded through bonds. While many people are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, many other people who have built up savings over the course of pandemic or at other times are looking around for sustainable investment opportunities. I think there is a pent-up demand for people to invest in sustainable opportunities rather than investing and fossil fuel companies such as BP and Shell which are posting record profits. The divestment campaign by 350.orgwas successful in getting many institutions, including sovereign wealth funds, universities and pension funds, to divest from investment in fossil fuels.

There are many lessons for us in how we address forestry and this country. The motion merits serious consideration as a possible route for us to meet our climate targets through afforestation and help people to do their bit in investing in sustainable industries rather than those dirty fossil fuels.