I propose to take Questions Nos. 332 to 334, inclusive, together.
New interim ‘Standards for Felling and Reforestation’ were circulated to the sector in October 2019 and this is still the current document today. These Standards immediately replaced the measures relating to felling which were set out in ‘Forest Harvesting & the Environment Guidelines (2000)’.
The 2019 document sets out the standards that apply to all felling (thinning and clearfelling) and reforestation projects on all sites throughout Ireland, undertaken under a felling licence issued by the Department under the Forestry Regulations, 2017 (S.I. No. 191/2017).
When released in October 2019, comments on the document were sought from stakeholders and I understand ten submissions were received. Many of the comments suggested textual changes to improve the practical implementation of various measures set out in the document.
The Department has, in the past, released submissions received in relation to its consultation processes. In relation to the consultation process around the Standards for Felling and Reforestation, when requests for submissions were sought, it was not stated that these submissions would be made public and, therefore, they were not made public. To make these submissions public, the Department would first have to seek the permission of the consultees.
Where stated as a condition of a felling licence, they are a legal requirement. Failure to adhere to a condition of a licence may result in a licence being suspended or revoked. This is enforceable.
Under the ‘Implementation of the Mackinnon Report’, the updating of 2019 Forest Standard documents is a key deliverable. The Department is committed to updating this document and appropriate consultation will be put in place to support this.