Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 July 2021
19. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the recommendations contained within the report of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine on Issues impacting the Forestry Sector in Ireland relating to ash dieback that he will implement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38176/21]
View answerThe relevant recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee relating to ash dieback disease are Recommendations 6 and 7. While I have already responded to the Committee, it is my intention to respond in more detail to the Committee on these recommendations and to implement those aspects identified as relevant and critical to the overall national ash dieback policy and support response.
Recommendation 6 of the Joint Oireachtas Committee’s report highlights a number of important areas including research reporting on engagement with the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) and related financial supports.
Since 2013, the Department has supported a number of important research initiatives including research into spore trapping and field trials and laboratory research in relation to the identification of ash dieback tolerance in the population and breeding of ash dieback tolerant plants.
In relation to engagement by ash plantation owners with the RUS scheme, the Department maintains close and on-going overview of the number of applications received and processed together with the related areas involved. To date, the Department has received over 330 RUS applications for a total of 1,364ha and approved 83 applications for a total of 280ha which demonstrates a healthy interest in the Scheme.
RUS provides financial support for the to the removal of the affected ash crop and replacement with alternative species. However, it is not a compensatory tool to provide payment for financial loss incurred due to the impact of ash dieback disease.
The Department is in the process of preparing a detailed report on Ash Dieback in Ireland. This report will include an account of the history, first findings and possible origins and spread of ash die back disease in Ireland. It will include an account of the legislative requirements and controls as well as the trade in ash and describe the Department’s policy and support scheme response as the disease has progressed and knowledge and understanding have been gained and lessons learnt.
