asked the Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Tourism if he is aware of the risk to Irish forests from diseases which can be carried in imported wood; and if he has any proposals to introduce legislation to control the situation.

I am fully aware of the risk to Irish forests from pests and diseases which can be carried in imported wood and to this end there are strict plant health controls on imports of certain types of timber and plants. Phyto-sanitary certificates from the country of origin must be presented.

In addition, periodic health surveys of forest areas, especially in the vicinity of sea ports, are carried out. Contingency plans to cope with any reported infection of infestation have been drawn up.

While statutory responsibility for plant health matters is vested in the Minister for Agriculture, my Department as the body responsible for forestry advise the Minister for Agriculture on matters relating to forestry plant health. In addition to the national plant health legislation, regulations are made from time to time by the Minister for Agriculture implementing the provisions of EEC plant health directives.

I am satisfied that the existing legislation, which is kept under constant review, is adequate to meet requirements.

Would the Minister keep in mind the real danger to the industry here especially from imported timber which still has bark? Is the Minister aware of this and will he examine the situation with a view to introducing some controls?

I am aware of these dangers but as I said in my reply there is good liaison between my Department and the Department of Agriculture to ensure that any infestation arising from importation will be dealt with immediately. Plant health controls are very strict for those types of timber which are liable to bring in this infestation.

The UK authorities recently introduced controls. Will the Minister consider introducing similar precautions here?

I am aware of the controls which have been introduced in Britain since 1982 and I will look at them to see if they can be usefully implemented here.