asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if any research is being carried out into the apparently widespread grwoth of Ivy Hedra Helix, an ivy which is increasingly evident on trees throughout the country and which eventually can kill the trees involved; whether he is concerned about the present situation; and if he will take appropriate action to ensure that the situation is dealt with.
Written Answers. - Ivy Growth Damage.
917.
Between 1973 and 1980 the Forest and Wildlife Service of my Department carried out experiments designed to evaluate the effects of ivy on tree growth in State plantations. These tests produced no evidence to indicate that ivy is damaging to trees in any material way. No impairment of growth was evident due to ivy infestation and even moderately healthy trees appeared to be able to resist adverse effects from the growth of ivy.