I propose to take Questions Nos. 509 to 511, inclusive, together.
I will not be correcting or making any amendments to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 154 of 26 May 2022.
My response on that date stated two things and I quote directly “Ash dieback disease was first found in Ireland in late 2012” and I further stated in that same reply “The exact origin of ash dieback disease in Ireland or when it was introduced are unknown. It is likely that the disease was introduced into Ireland on infected plants for use in either forest, farm or roadside planting.” Both of these statements are correct as a first finding is not considered proof of the origin of the disease in Ireland.
Furthermore, these statements are entirely consistent with my predecessors response of 15 November 2012. In your question you state that my predecessor stated in response to a Parliamentary Question on 15 November 2012 that the origin of the disease was confirmed as originating in a consignment of 30,000 ash plants imported from continental Europe. However, I have checked the record and my predecessor in fact stated in his response that “The first finding of the disease was confirmed on 12 October 2012 in County Leitrim.”
In relation to the first finding and the associated trees, it is not appropriate to share details of the business names, importers and distributors involved. Apart from the fact that these businesses did not do anything illegal in importing and distributing imported trees, my Department relies on information from members of the public and from businesses in its role in tackling the risks of introduction and establishment of harmful pests and diseases. Publishing their names may also be harmful to their reputation among the wider public. Importers of certain plants and tree species are subject to pre-notification requirements.
My Department for many years after the first finding of the disease provided regular updates on its website regarding the location of the ash dieback findings on a 10 kilometre square basis. Right now the disease is widespread in Europe and across Ireland, occurring here in every County.
