Vol. 417 No. 5
135 Mr. Cotter asked the Minister for Energy if he will give details of the tonnage of forestry products which are exported before processing; whether any of these products are re-imported; if he has any plans to ensure that value is added to these products in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Central Statistics Office compile and publish import/export statistics for all industrial sectors including the forest products area. In regard to Coillte Teoranta specifically, the company exported approximately 100,000 tonnes of pulpwood, principally for the manufacture of paper, and approximately 130,000 tonnes of logs in 1991. One of my main policy objectives is to formulate a strategy for the development of the timber industry to the year 2000 and beyond, incorporating Coillte Teoranta and all timber industry organisations. This strategy will, of course, focus on the issues raised by the Deputy.
