Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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353. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding Coillte harvesting rights (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21545/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Further to the Government's decision that a concession for the harvesting rights to Coillte's forests be considered for sale, NewERA, Coillte, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department have worked to examine the financial and other implications of developing the potential of Coillte's forest assets. Substantial work has been undertaken on the identification of the forestry assets involved, the determination of their value and the consideration of a number of issues associated with the proposed sale of the harvesting rights. These include, inter alia , the possible impact on the timber industry and public access to recreational land.

In relation to possible impact on the timber industry, the Coillte State Assets Steering Group, comprising of representatives from NewERA, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department, met with the Chairman and other representatives of the Irish Timber Council, on 13^th March 2013 at which the industry expressed their concerns regarding the proposed sale of Coillte harvesting rights. I am aware that the Council's main concerns are the continuity of supply of timber to the sawmill sector, the potential prices of timber and the overall implications for their businesses and jobs. The Steering Group is also considering the report, by EPS Consulting for the Irish Timber Council, on “The impacts on the sawmill sector arising from the proposed sale of Coillte's harvesting rights - February 2013 ”.

Coillte currently manages 10 Forest Parks and over 150 recreation sites throughout Ireland and their forests provide a range of recreational opportunities for the general public continuing a long tradition of open access to state owned forests. As the Government and I are aware of the concerns expressed about the implications for access to such recreational opportunities, any sale will take account of public access to recreational land. As stated by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in his contribution to the Dáil debate on this issue on 26^th February last, it is the Government's intention that appropriate provisions would be included in any sale of Coillte harvesting rights to allow for the maintenance of the company's current open forest policy. While the consideration process is at an advanced stage, no decision has been taken, as yet. The Government is fully conscious of the concerns that have been raised by the general public, recreational groups, the timber processing sector, trade unions and elected representatives in relation to the Coillte sale proposal. The outcome of the overall analysis will be considered by the Government upon its completion.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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354. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the sale of Coillte harvesting rights (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21569/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Further to the Government's decision that a concession for the harvesting rights to Coillte's forests be considered for sale, NewERA, Coillte, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department have worked to examine the financial and other implications of a potential transaction. Substantial work has been undertaken on the identification of the forestry assets involved, the determination of their value and the consideration of a number of issues associated with the proposed sale of the harvesting rights. These include, inter alia , the possible impact on the timber industry, public access to recreational land, environmental and social impacts and consequential implications for the company.

As part of the consideration process, a number of detailed financial, technical and other specialist reports were prepared for Coillte, by external specialist consultancy bodies, in full consultation with the Board of Coillte and its executive management. The reason for such detailed and extensive consideration is that it is essential that any decision is based on the most accurate, comprehensive information possible. As I have said previously, the Government will proceed with caution in relation to this matter and no final decision has been taken, as yet. The outcome of the overall analysis will be considered by the Government upon its conclusion.