asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the efforts he is making to protect employment in the saw-milling sector of the timber industry; and when he will take action to avoid further job losses in the saw-millling industry.
Written Answers. - Timber Industry Employment.
32.
The maintenance of employment in the saw-milling sector is governed by a number of factors including the industry's ability to market its products successfully. I am mainly concerned with the supply of sawlog to the industry and in that connection I am placing all available sawlog on the market but it must be borne in mind that the capacity of the saw-milling industry is much greater than the total national supply of sawlog available. Additionally my Department fund a programme of research and development including product improvement and promotion by the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards.
I confidently anticipate that the recent scheme of house improvement grants introduced by the Government will generate increased demand for Irish timber products.