asked the Minister for Energy the measures he is taking to ensure that the eggs of the sitka spruce beetle do not reach this island thus destroying the national crop investment; in light of the existence of the beetle in continental Europe and Scandinavia his views on whether the sitka spruce crop in Ireland is under threat; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Sitka Spruce Crop Protection.
85.
The Forest Service of my Department have developed an integrated forest pest control programme based on the principles of exclusion, eradication, protection, avoidance therapy and resistance. In conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Food, they operate a strict prohibition policy on the importation of coniferous timber with bark attached in order to prevent the introduction of the spruce bark beetle and other pests to this country. This policy is rigorously enforced and timber and plant imports are regularly checked to ensure their freedom from dangerous forest pests and diseases.
A major publicity campaign has been launched to alert the public and the relevant authorities of the dangers posed by forest pests like the spruce bark beetle. Forest Service staff and the timber industry have been alerted to the potential danger of such pests to our forest crops. Contingency plans have been drafted in the event of an infestation of this or other plant pests and diseases.
This country's island status coupled with its intensive import controls are the major reasons why Irish forests remain the healthiest in Europe.