Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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278. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason there are no representatives for an association (details supplied) as part of the newly established forestry forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39075/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I have recently established a new Forestry Policy Group to help inform forest policy development in Ireland. The group is due to have its first meeting this week. I expect the group to work together to contribute to the development of current and future forestry policy and to help in delivering on the ambitious objectives of the Programme for Government.

I have considered very carefully the membership of the group and have asked a wide range of organisations to participate, including sectoral stakeholders, environmental NGOs and a range of relevant State bodies. The sectoral stakeholders include a broad range from farm bodies to nurseries to sawmills. I believe that the Group has a wide and balanced membership and will fully reflect the views of all stakeholders.