95 Mr. Hyland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry in view of the increasing importance of forestry to the national economy and our dependence on timber exports, if he will assist the efforts of the saw milling industry in achieving the highest standard of efficiency; and if he will give consideration to the importance of smaller rural saw mills involved in the production of small scale but specialised timber products in view of their relevance to employment and rural development. [1627/95]

The issues raised by the Deputy are among those being considered in the context of the strategy for the development of the forestry sector. Work on the preparation of this strategy is well advanced and it would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt the outcome.