Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024

Tuesday, 20 February 2024

Questions (461)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

461. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 451 of 30 January 2024, if he is satisfied with the international standard ISPM No.15 for regulation of wood packaging in international trade and its effectiveness in finding contaminated wood and preventing Ireland’s exposure from future threats similar to the recent bark beetle issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7911/24]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

ISPM 15 “Regulation of Wood Packaging Material in International Trade” is a phytosanitary standard developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). It sets down standards for treatment and marking of Wood Packaging Material (WPM) which includes pallets, crates and dunnage used in the international trade of goods of all kinds.

The aim of ISPM 15 is, through the treatment of WPM, to address the risk of introduction and spread of pests and pathogens often associated with WPM which could be harmful to trees forests and ecosystems. Untreated WPM could clearly pose a significant phytosanitary risk.

Within the EU and including Ireland, ISPM 15 has been adopted and implemented as the required standard for WPM coming from all third countries to enter the EU to prevent the possible entry of harmful organisms including bark beetles. I believe it is a very important measure in protecting tree and forest health, given the wide use of wood packaging in world trade.