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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 4

Written Answers. - Tropical Hardwoods.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

248 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance if he can confirm the source of the certification required by the Office of Public Works prior to any decision to purchase specific lots or parcels of exotic hardwoods in view of the policy of that office not to use tropical timber from forests other than forests which are managed in a sustainable fashion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18342/98]

The Office of Public Works specifies only small quantities of tropical timber for specialist end use where temperate hardwoods cannot be used. The office is seldom involved directly in their purchase as normally the contractor carrying out the work purchases the timber in accordance with the Office of Public Works's specification which states that such timbers "must be from sustainable and managed plantations". The certification involved comes from the Government of the country of origin via the timber importer and building contractor. The Office of Public Works endeavours to ensure that the "paper trail" is complete and vouched for by the timber importer.

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