Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
42. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration has been given to establishing a dedicated forestry agency within his Department given the significant challenges in forestry and ongoing delays to the forestry programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34613/23]
View answerI am acutely aware of the difficulties being experienced by forestry in Ireland over the last number of years. Establishing a State Agency will not change the complex legal framework within which regulations are require to operate, and I see no advantage in doing so. Significant work has been undertaken by my Department to date to address those challenges and forge a path towards a renewed vision for forestry in Ireland.
It is not possible to roll out the new forestry programme until State Aid approval is received from the EU Commission.
My Department is working closely with the EU Commission to seek to resolve any issues relating to the State Aid application.
Therefore considering the significant work undertaken by my Department to date, there are currently no plans to establish a dedicated Forestry Agency.
