Timber exports to Northern Ireland
The Minister reported State-forest sales to Northern Ireland of 60,338 m³ worth £1,131,685 in 1984 and 83,081 m³ worth £1,655,295 in 1985, mostly sold by tender. Deputies discussed who harvested the timber, whether roadside sales could create local jobs, and the unquantified timber sold north by firms in the State.
asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry the amount and value of timber exported to, or purchased by, timber companies in Northern Ireland in 1984 to 1985; and the cost and method by which this was sold.
Comment on this
In so far as my Department are concerned, the extent to which information is available on the amount and value of timber exported to Northern Ireland relates only to timber sold from State forests to purchasers with addresses in Northern Ireland.
The amount of such timber and its value, which in many cases includes the cost of harvesting, is as follows:
1984 — 60,338 m³ — £1,131,685
1985 — 83,081 m³ — £1,655,295
Most of this timber was sold by tender.
Comment on this
Do these people purchase the timber standing in the forests or at the side of the forest roads?
Comment on this
As I said in the last line of my reply, most of this timber was sold by tender and I assume it was in standing forests.
Comment on this
Would the Minister accept that many people from Northern Ireland who purchase this timber in Donegal use labour from the Six Counties? Would the Minister consider selling this timber on the side of the road ensuring that sub-contractors in this State cut and trim these trees, thus providing more jobs in rural areas?
Comment on this
While I accept the good intention behind the Deputy's question, when timber is sold by tender the purchaser has the option of retrieving the timber from the forests either by methods such as those suggested by the Deputy or in his own way, which is apparently what is happening. I am not aware of the number of workers coming from Northern Ireland into Donegal, but under EC regulations I cannot stop people coming in to carry out such an operation.
Comment on this
I appreciate what the Minister said, but if we change the system we will ensure that our own people are doing this work. Perhaps the Minister or his officials would look at the feasibility of my suggestion over the next few months.
Comment on this
Has the Minister any information about timber being purchased by people in this State for business in the North? What is the volume involved?
Comment on this
There is evidence that some firms in the Republic are selling timber to the North but I cannot give the quantities involved. From the information we have I do not believe it is very extensive. Nevertheless, the Deputy is correct in suggesting that private individuals in the South are purchasing timber to sell in the North.