asked the Minister for Energy if he has any proposals to focus public attention on the forest industry, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Forest Industry.
28.
Considerable public attention is being focused on the forest industry through (a) the strong emphasis placed on the development of this sector by the Government in its Programme for National Recovery; (b) the Forestry Bill, being debated in the Dáil at present, which will set up a commercial semi-State company (Coillte Teoranta) to take over the functions of the Forest Service; (c) the series of improved grants, recently announced, to encourage the establishment of private plantations; and (d) the various statements and press releases issued by me which received wide media coverage in regard to various aspects of forestry.
Since assuming office I have taken every opportunity — and I will continue to do so — to publicise the progress to date of this great national enterprise and to highlight the opportunities which now exist to exploit its enormous potential for development.