Forestry Sector

Wednesday, 6 May 2026

Questions (703)

Ciarán Ahern

Question:

703. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the publication of a children’s book regarding Sitka spruce, a non-native species grown primarily for commercial purposes in Ireland and which is the subject of serious environmental and biodiversity concerns, which was issued to primary schools across the country and contained a forward by a former Junior Minister at his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31922/26]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department was not involved in the development or distribution of this publication. The book is an industry-led initiative, supported by the Society of Irish Foresters, the Social, Economic, Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA), and the Irish Timber Council.

A foreword was provided by former Minister of State Michael Healy Rae which speaks to the different trees that grow in a forest, and the various roles forests play. This is consistent with my Department’s Forestry Communications & Engagement Strategy which centres on promoting all five forestry values, including climate, nature, wood, people, and the economy and rural development.

My Departments Forestry Strategy 2023 – 2030 provides a wide range of schemes which includes broadleaves and native tree species, as well as coniferous species such as Sitka spruce which cumulatively deliver a balanced forest landscape and Ireland to meet its climate targets and protect our biodiversity and the environment.