Malcolm Noonan (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

In his comprehensive response, the Minister of State referred to the 2022 strategic vision. However, in that strategic vision, Coillte Nature has a very specific role, but that is now being deleted. That is the question I have. It is frustrating for us all that the committees are not up and running because we cannot ask these questions directly of Coillte. It is important that we get answers on this. I mentioned the Gresham House debacle. We would have expected Coillte to have improved on its communications with all stakeholders and the general public, in light of a decision like this. It appears that it is removing a very specific part of its function, the not-for-profit Coillte Nature, which had a very dedicated team working on nature restoration. That does not spell a very good commitment towards nature restoration. I appreciate the answer given by the Department but as the Minister is a stakeholder with responsibility for and oversight of the company, it is important that he take up the matter with Coillte as a matter of urgency.