Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2021

Thursday, 30 September 2021

Questions (392)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

392. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the situation for a person or persons without a recognised forestry qualification to level 7 or 8, as required by his Department to become a registered forester, to advise and direct landowners on silvicultural issues such as species selection, establishment practices, ongoing management and any other specific operations particular to the forestry profession, in schemes or other projects run or administered or funded by his Department, regardless of the individual or plot size of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47384/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

It is a requirement of the Department that those wishing to act as Registered Foresters must have the appropriate qualification and have Professional Indemnity Insurance (PPI).  This is to ensure that landowners receive the correct advice on potential forestry operations and the ongoing management of their forestry sites. 

Registered Foresters therefore must have the required training and skills to assess proposed operations, regarding the current environmental considerations that must be taken, when preparing an application on behalf of a landowner.  Any member of the public who feels that a registered forester falls below this standard should contact the Department.