Vol. 574 No. 1
183 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding forestry in his Department; if the forestry portfolio will move to the Department of Agriculture and Food; the Minister responsible for forestry if it were to move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26386/03]
The Government has decided to transfer, with effect from 1 January 2004, responsibility for forest policy and the Forest Service from my Department to the Department of Agriculture and Food.
This decision has been taken in view of the need for co-ordinated policy making on forestry and other agricultural land uses, at national and EU levels. The necessary transfer of functions order will be made by the Minister for Finance.
