Promoting Native Timber Use
The Minister cited research, training and import-substitution efforts to promote Irish timber. He said production is expected to rise substantially and that policy is under review as output grows.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the efforts he is making to promote the use of native Irish timber; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
The efforts being made to promote the use of Irish timber include:—
—An on-going research programme, undertaken by the IIRS and funded by my Department, into various aspects of timber technology;
—a variety of courses and seminars organised by the IIRS with my Department's support and encouragement aimed at improving the grading and handling of Irish timber in the interests of higher production standards;
—the steps being taken by the Department of the Environment, which has overall responsibility for import substitution in the context of building materials, to increase the use of Irish timber in local authority construction projects.
The overall objective is to bring about a greater awareness and acceptance of Irish timber in the market place and, judging by the increasing pressure on my Department for supplies of raw material, I am glad to say that the promotional efforts in train are proving very effective.
Comment on this
The Minister is aware that wood production is estimated to double within the next ten years and probably increase substantially after that. Is the Minister satisfied that all reasonable effort is being made and will continue to be undertaken to ensure that the maximum benefit is derived from that wood production? Is he also satisfied that the number of people employed in forestry and associated industries can be significantly increased from their present 6,000 to 10,000 up to 30,000 to 50,000 over the next 15 years? Is he satisfied that with the existing policy these results can be obtained?
Comment on this
The Deputy must be aware that any Minister in a Department where a development like this is taking place must at all times be ready to review the current operation, and that is ongoing, especially in the context of our knowledge of what will happen over the next ten years. I point out, for the benefit of the House, that our current production is approximately 1 million cubic metres per annum which by 1990 will be 1.7 million cubic metres and by the end of this century 3.3 million cubic metres. Operations are in train and the current position is kept under review to take account of that expanding volume of timber which will be coming on stream.