Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2013

Thursday, 7 March 2013

Ceisteanna (204)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

204. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Coillte will have to seek his permission under Section 14 of the 1988 Forestry Act, for the sale of approximately 250 hectares in County Donegal; the criteria under which he would consider giving approval if his permission is required; the reason he stated that it would be inappropriate for him to interfere in this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12075/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the sale and acquisition of land, are the responsibility of the company. While the Forestry Act 1988 provides, under Section 14, that “The company shall submit to and agree with the Minister each year a programme for the sale and acquisition of land and the sale of timber, whether standing or felled ”, this programme states the overall area of land for which agreement is sought for possible sale in the year ahead. The implementation of the programme, and the actual land parcels involved, is a matter for the company. On this basis, the company does not seek my permission in relation to each specific proposed sale. The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, with which Coillte, as a state body, must comply, outlines procedures to be followed in the disposal of State assets, including oversight requirements.