Phil Hogan
Ceist:120 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the Minister who now has responsibility for the forestry sector. [26367/03]
Written Answers. - Forest Service.
The Government has decided to transfer, no later than 1 January 2004, responsibility for forest policy and the forest service from my Department to the Department of Agriculture and Food. I expect to retain responsibility for the area until then. 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.