P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 33: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the main provisions and aims of the proposed forestry Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36197/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The purpose of the Forestry Bill is to reform and update the legislative framework relating to forestry in order to support the development of a modern forestry sector that enshrines the principles of sustainable forestry management and protection of the environment. The Bill will, among other provisions, introduce a more streamlined felling licensing system, allow for change of land use from forestry to other sustainable uses and provide a statutory basis for Forest Service Guidelines and Forest Management Plans. The Bill itself is currently being drafted by the Parliamentary Draftsman.