Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will explain the sense in which the State will retain ownership over Coillte lands if the company is sold and a private commercial entity has control of the enterprise and if, for example, under such an agreement it might be open to a private company to restrict public access to forest amenity areas or charge for same or de-forest environmentally precious areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12846/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As recently announced by the Government, consideration will be given to the possible sale of some assets of Coillte excluding the sale of land. A valuation of Coillte assets is currently being undertaken by the NTMA (NewERA unit) in conjunction with my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. No decision on the possible sale of Coillte assets will be taken until the valuation process is completed.

I am conscious that Coillte's forests provide a range of recreational opportunities for the general public continuing a long tradition of open access to state owned forests. I am aware that this is a very significant issue of concern for the general public, therefore public access to recreational land will be an important consideration in the decision-making process regarding the potential sale of such assets.

In relation to deforestation, it is illegal, under the Forestry Act, 1946, with certain limited exceptions, to cut down any tree of any age without a felling licence. In deciding whether to issue a felling licence my Department may consult with the National Parks and Wildlife Service on applications in environmentally sensitive areas. Any person uprooting or cutting down a tree without a felling licence may be prosecuted.