Paul Murphy
Ceist:102. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department officially endorses a publication (detailed supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35758/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 14 May 2026
Ceisteanna (102)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department was not involved in the development or distribution of the publication Sitka Spruce the Amazing Timber Tree, nor did it provide any funding for this book. It 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 message is consistent with the values of forests for climate, nature, wood, people, and the economy and rural development as defined in my Department’s Forestry Strategy 2023 – 2030.
My Department's Forestry Communications Plan promotes this balanced approach to forestry that supports the planting of broadleaves and native tree species, as well as coniferous species, such as Sitka Spruce. The impact of this approach is evident in planting rates in 2025 where 65% of new forests were broadleaf and 35% coniferous trees.