Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2004
282 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself that the certification of forestry standards by the Soil Association is flawed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1946/04]
View answerI understand that the Soil Association is an internationally recognised standard certification body which has been accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council, FSC, to carry out independent third party certification of forests to the FSC standard. The Deputy will be aware that the Forest Stewardship Council is an independent non-governmental organisation which operates a voluntary forest certification scheme for forest owners. Terms and conditions for compliance with the certification process are a matter for the FSC. I have no role in this voluntary process.
