Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2022
711. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current position of the study commissioned by COFORD into private forest certification in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25921/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously outlined in a recent parliamentary question the COFORD Council with funding from my Department has carried out a study on forest certification. Forest certification is a voluntary process used by forestry organisations to reassure consumers that the wood and wood products they buy come from sustainably managed forests.
The report is currently being prepared for publishing with a number of key recommendations on how to increase the level of certification in the private sector. The report outlines the extent of private certification in Ireland and examines similar models in other European Member States.
The report outlines that there is approximately 15,680 hectares certified in the private forest estate, or less than 5.69% of the total private estate. Currently all Coillte forests are certified to both the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Standards (PEFC) standard.
It has been agreed that the COFORD Council will now prepare a business case outlining in detail the funding model and funds required to facilitate private certification as outlined in the report. Once this business case is received, my Department will examine the level of funding that is being provided by the forest sector and level of funding requested by my Department. The COFORD Council is scheduled to meet to this month and will discuss the work required in preparing a business case and next steps.
