Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Sawmills Industry.

Liam Aylward

Question:

860 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will consult with the Department of Enterprise and Employment to address the serious crisis confronting the sawmills industry where over 90 employees of two mills have lost their jobs in recent weeks; and if he will ensure that there is an adequate supply of timber from Coillte at reasonable prices to halt a further decline in home and export markets and a decline in investment in the industry. [15377/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

While I do not have statutory responsibility for the sawmilling sector, I maintain regular contact with my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, in relation to issues arising in the sector. In so far as the sale and supply of timber from Coillte Teoranta is concerned, the position is that these are matters for Coillte Teoranta to pursue in the context of its commercial mandate, as contained in the 1988 Forestry Act.

I indicated to this House on 25 June, 1996, in response to Parliamentary Question No. 296, that a new timber sales regime is now being negotiated by Coillte Teoranta and the Irish Timber Council, the representative body of Irish sawmillers. I remain convinced that the implementation of the proposed new sales regime will enable the Irish sawmilling sector to move forward and gain new markets at home and abroad.