Vol. 448 No. 1
98 Mr. Hyland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will consider the establishment of a strategy for the processing of hardwoods with special reference to the opportunity to add value to the existing limited but valuable hardwood resource, particularly in the context of quality made Irish furniture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1639/95]
I do not believe that we should devise a strategic approach to hardwoods on a stand-alone basis. Our strategy in this area should be an integral part of our overall plan for forestry. The Deputy will be aware of the preparation by my Department of a strategic plan for the development of the forestry sector. The work of consultants appointed to assist in this process is now far advanced and I expect formal submission of their report shortly. The terms of reference to which the consultants have worked place specific emphasis on the creation of added value and on the optimum utilisation of all the output of Irish forests. The strategy will therefore encompass the question of utilising our hardwood resource and pursuing added-value outlets for indigenous hardwood timber. I look forward to further considering this particular aspect when the consultants report is to hand.
In the meantime, my Department is supporting with grant assistance a number of projects and initiatives aimed at promoting a more coherent approach to developing the hardwood sector in Ireland.
