Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2013

Tuesday, 22 October 2013

Ceisteanna (425)

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Ceist:

425. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that at a recent forestry industry event held in the UK an orientated strand board manufacturer (details supplied) was asking participants to sign a petition requesting that the pulp from Irish forests be made available to all in the industry and not only to Coillte's board plants; his views on whether Coilte's exclusive access to this product from our forests is an anti-competitive practice; if he will assure Dáil Éireann that there is no conflict with EU competition directives with regard to Coillte having sole use of this product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44178/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My attention had not been drawn to such a petition. I understand that sales of pulp wood from private forests in Ireland are transacted on a market basis between buyer and seller and Coillte does not have exclusive access to pulp wood from the private sector. Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as decisions in relation to the use and marketing of pulp wood from its forest estate, are the responsibility of the company. An object of the company, as provided in the Forestry Act 1988, is to carry on the business of forestry and related activities on a commercial basis and in accordance with efficient silvicultural practices.