The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food will meet for a discussion on forestry tomorrow (Wednesday, July 16).

The meeting will hear from Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Healy-Rae.

The committee, made up of 14 members, will meet at 3:30p.m for engagement on ash dieback and other issues.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Oireachtas committee chair, TD Aindrias Moynihan, said that ash dieback "continues to be a significant threat to Ireland's ash tree population, causing widespread damage and economic loss".

"Ash trees are an integral part of Ireland's landscape and ecosystem, providing habitats for numerous wildlife species and supporting the country's rich cultural heritage - most notably in Ireland’s traditional craft of making hurleys," deputy Moyihan said.

The committee will also examine other issues impacting the forestry sector such as planting rates, planning applications, and threat and mitigation of invasive species.  

“The committee notes that the government has implemented measures to combat the disease, including the ash dieback action plan, which provides financial support to farmers and landowners affected by the disease," Moynihan continued.

"The government has allocated significant funding to address the issue, with the aim of supporting farmers and promoting sustainable forestry practices.

"We will take our opportunity at tomorrow’s meeting to get in-depth information from the minister on what other measures can be implemented to help sustain the forestry sector impacted."