Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
833. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department informed third-level education providers of forestry in Ireland that their graduates are not capable of completing habitat surveys on existing forest sites and on sites proposed for afforestation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6546/22]
View answerThe Department has ongoing contact with the two colleges in Ireland, UCD and WIT, that provide forestry degree programmes for students in Ireland. I understand an introduction to ecology forms part of both courses.
It is important to note that a qualified forester will have a different skillset than a qualified ecologist. It is very important that Registered Foresters are at a basic level able to identify the range of habitat types that often present themselves for afforestation. In this respect ongoing habitat training is very important for registered foresters and DAFM has in the past carried out such training for Registered Foresters and DAFM intend carrying out similar training this year.
While ecologists are best placed and qualified to carry out ecology reports the Department is examining ways of using the skillset of registered foresters bolstered by additional training to assist in gathering ecology information from sites that may reduce some of the requirement for specialist ecologist input.
The Department is confident that the two colleges involved in forestry degree programmes are aware of the skills and expertise required by Registered Foresters in applying for forestry licences.
