Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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36. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way the restrictions on the sale and movement of ash wood from infected countries into Ireland is monitored; and if any are the sanctions for ignoring these restrictions. [16840/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The movement of ash plants and wood into Ireland from infected countries is regulated by the Destructive Insects and Pest Acts 1958 and 1991 (Chalara Fraxinea) Order (No. 2) 2012 [SI No. 431 of 2012]. The legislation controls the importation and movement of ash seeds, plants and wood.  Imports are monitored at ports of entry. Imports from several non EU countries require a documentary, identity and plant health inspection before entry into Ireland.   In addition ash is currently de-listed as an approved species under the Department’s afforestation schemes. Ash is also not approved for planting under the new Agri-environmental scheme GLAS (Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme). Planting of ash is also not permitted for National Roads Authority roadside plantings.  These measures have substantially reduced the demand for ash for planting. Where a person lands ash seeds, plants and wood in the State in contravention of the legislation they must remove or destroy it in accordance with any instructions issued by my Department and shall be liable for the cost of such removal or destruction.