Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Jan 1995

Vol. 448 No. 1

Written Answers. - Irish Timber Use.

Liam Hyland

Question:

93 Mr. Hyland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the steps, if any, his Department will take in conjunction with the Department of the Environment to promote the use of Irish timber in public building contracts; if he will consider the providing funds to the Irish Timber Council to assist the expansion of its marketing strategy; and his views on the fact that the produce of the Irish saw milling industry is now up to the highest European standards and should be supported by a national marketing programme. [1625/95]

Minister for Agriculture Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

I understand that the functions of the Minister for the Environment in relation to the use of Irish timber in public building contracts relate principally to ensuring its suitability for use and compliance with the Building Regulations. Towards this end, he has asked his technical staff and local authorities to be vigilant, where appropriate, in ensuring that new houses are constructed using timber which is suitable for the purposes for which, and the conditions in which, it is being used and which fully complies with the Building Regulations.

The Minister for the Environment and I would, in principle, welcome greater domestic use of Irish timber. Such use would, however, have to be consistent with EU public procurement law which prohibits discrimination against timber originating from other EU member states.

The appropriate agency for the provision of funding for marketing strategies and programmes is An Bord Tráchtála which is the responsibility of the Minister for Tourism and Trade.