asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the efforts being made by him to promote the sale of Irish timber; and the action, if any, which will be taken by him to exploit the potential of our State forests.
Written Answers. - Timber Import Substitution.
412.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 411 and 412 together.
Official statistics relating to imports of wood and wood products are complied and published by the Central Statistics Office and, while figures have not yet been published for the current year to date, I understand from other sources that the value of imported sawn conifers to the end of February last was of the order of £5 million.
Imported sawn conifers comprise whitewoods and redwoods. Irish timber is mainly substituted for the former and is estimated to represent about 25 per cent of this current market. The rate of imporvement in the market share will depend, inter alia, on the degree of availability of mature timber from Irish forests.
I am glad to say that the acceptability of Irish timber to builders and other users is increasing. The Department of the Environment, which has overall responsibility for import substitution in regard to building materials including timber, is actively promoting the maximum use of Irish timber and has recently circularised local authorities regarding its quality and suitability. As the house construction situation improves, significant scope for import substitution can be expected.
In addition, my Department — in consultation with the Department of the Environment — is examining the possibility of greater use of Irish timber in timber framed housing with a view to expanding the market. Moreover, as the Deputy will be aware, research on various aspects of timber technology by the IIRS on behalf of my Department is continuing. It is my intention to consult with the trade and with Government and commercial agencies regarding the development of higher standards of efficiency in the production, fishing and grading of Irish timber as well as a more aggressive marketing of the finished product.