Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:255 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the forestry brief will be transferred to the Department of Agriculture and Food from 1 January 2004. [25738/03]
Written Answers. - Forest Service.
The Government has decided to transfer, from 1 January 2004, responsibility for forestry policy and the forest service from my Department to the Department of Agriculture and Food.
This decision has been taken in view of the need for co-ordinated policy making on forestry and other agricultural land uses, at national and EU levels. The necessary transfer of functions order will be made by the Minister for Finance.