The main instrument for the protection of trees in Ireland is the Forestry Act 1946, which lays down provisions in relation to felling, uprooting and injury of trees. Additional protection is provided for under the Planning and Development Act 2000 which empowers local authorities to place tree preservation orders on trees. I intend to review the body of forestry legislation next year. This will incorporate a full examination of the adequacy of the provisions providing for tree protection, including review of the administration of the felling licensing system. A legislative review group has already carried out some work on this matter.