asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the progress, if any, which has been made on the development of a common timber policy for the EC and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - EC Timber Policy.
12.
If the Deputy is referring to the formulation by the EC of a common forestry policy the position is that no such proposals are under consideration at present. Nevertheless, various forestry measures have been initiated from time to time on an ad hoc basis, for example, the forestry element of the Western Package in Council Regulation (EEC) No. 1820/80 and in the recent amendment of the Structural Directive in Agriculture, certain measures to encourage afforestation by farmers have been included. Discussions have taken place in the Community on a draft Council resolution proposed by the Commission in 1983 for a Community action programme regarding forestry and forest-based industries. The draft resolution is still under examination by COREPER — the Committee of Permanent Representatives — and discussions on it have not reached the stage where one could say what the outcome may be. However, I shall keep the matter under review and press for progress at every opportunity.
What is the Irish input to date into the action programme initiated in 1983? Have we made submissions? Have we detailed what we feel is necessary in this area and can the Minister give us an indication of the priorities?
That is not included in the brief, but I understand that the Department have made a submission. It seems that the committees are on an ad hoc basis and do not seem to complete their work. We are pressing for something to be done in respect of forestry and the Government are giving consideration to certain proposals. When those proposals are completed and decisions are taken, we will go back to the EC. It would be premature to go back sooner.