Vol. 500 No. 3
52 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has for the future development of forestry and the processing of forestry products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1463/99]
Policy for the development of forestry is outlined in the strategic plan for the development of the forestry sector in Ireland "Growing for the Future" which was approved by Government. The overall aim of the strategic plan is to develop forestry to a scale and in a manner which maximises its contribution to national, economic and social wellbeing on a sustainable basis and which is compatible with the protection of the environment.
Policy for the development of the processing sector is based on the establishment of a range of complementary primary, secondary and tertiary forest based processing industries to provide outlets for forest output and to maximise the share of domestic and export markets.
