Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 312: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the implications any sale of Coillte's assets, specifically timber from forestry, will have for businesses operating in the forestry private sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10306/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Coillte was one of 28 commercial state bodies reviewed by the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities, chaired by Colm McCarthy, which reported recently. The Government is now considering the findings of the Report and its recommendations in detail. However, no decision has yet been taken by the Government about the future of Coillte.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will recognise the important role the forestry sector plays in the economy here and the need to support this sector as much as possible in order to ensure all of the 16,000 persons working in forestry remain in employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10307/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I fully recognise the important role the forestry sector plays in Ireland's economy and I am committed to the continued expansion and development of the sector. The sector is a major employer and makes a significant contribution to Ireland's export markets.

This year, my Department will be supporting the development of the forestry sector through the provision of a series of schemes. Funding of €114 million will be provided which will support the establishment of approximately 7,500 hectares of new forests in 2011, and will allow for the construction of forest roads to facilitate the harvesting and transport of timber to market. In addition, there are also a number of other support schemes aimed at encouraging the ongoing management of the forest estate and the overall development of the sector.