asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware of the shortage of the non-shed noblis fir tree to the Irish Christmas tree trade and that the variety is alleged to be imported in large numbers; if he will explain the distribution procedure to the trade; the number of distributors; the areas of distribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Christmas Tree Trade.
19.
I am aware that the demand for Christmas trees is greater than the noblis fir available supply this year.
Of the total — 140,000 Christmas trees on offer this year only about 15 per cent 20,000 — are noblis fir, the balance being mainly Norway spruce which has been the traditional Christmas tree in Ireland and some lodgepole pine which is also growing in popularity.
My information is that to date there have been no licences issued for the importation of noblis fir Christmas trees.
My Department distributes Christmas trees from forest centres throughout the country (a) by way of tender sale (b) through direct sales at fixed prices to regular and new customers and (c) through sales at forests to meet local demands.
My Department have taken steps to increase the supply of noblis fir Christmas trees in order to meet market demand but the Deputy will appreciate that it takes up to eight years to produce Christmas trees of an acceptable size. It is my policy to encourage production of Christmas trees of all species for which a market exists or can be promoted.