Sir, - On July 17th, The Irish Times published some comments I made about Coillte Teo in its report on the open session of the Oireachtas Committee on State Sponsored Bodies. I made reference to the lack of qualified specialist environmental staff in Coillte. My comments in the open session were taken by Coillte as offensive. I apologise for any offence taken.
The current environmental staff in Coillte do a difficult job well, they are committed, and they are entitled to their good reputations. My intention was to recommend that Coillte's environmental expertise be expanded, as, part of a range of measures which would help the company to improve its management of public natural resources.
The same would hold for a number of other State bodies, departments and local authorities. I have worked well with the Coillte staff involved, and I hope this letter helps to set the record straight. - Yours etc.
An Taisce,
The Tailors' Hall,
Back Lane,
Dublin 8.