Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2021
602. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagement his officials have had with the European Commission in relation to the forthcoming EU Forest Strategy; the information that has been received from the European Commission on the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36354/21]
View answerAs part of the European Union Green Deal, the EU launched an online public consultation on the development of a new EU Forest Strategy. Citizens and stakeholders had until 19th April 2021 to share their views with the Commission. The strategy will build on the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030 and will cover the entire forest cycle as well as promoting the many services forests provide.
The Department participates in both the EU Council Working Group on Forestry and the Standing Forestry Committee where this matter has been discussed on foot of presentations by the European Commission. Ireland supports the development of this strategy. Minister of State Hackett met with Vice President Timmermans earlier this year to update on him on Irish forestry and made particular reference to the proposed EU and Irish forest strategy being developed.
The EU Strategy is being developed by the European Commission. The Draft European Union Forest Strategy will be published by the European Commission later this month with adoption planned for later this year.
The planned publication of the EU Forest Strategy is timely as it will feed into how we shape the new Irish Forestry Strategy currently being developed. Our Forest Strategy will be subject to full public and stakeholder consultation which is planned to take place this year.
