Michael Healy-Rae: 'I have an acute understanding of what it's like to deal with the problems. I'm an employer myself, I've paid people every Friday since I was 19'

Minister Michael Healy-Rae is facing considerable challenges since taking on the role of Minister of State for Forestry, Farm Safety, and Horticulture. Recent storms have devastated the landscape, damaging 24,000ha of forestry. Additionally, the government's ambitious planting goal of 8,000ha per year has failed to be met, with actual figures hovering below 2,000ha for the past two years. The Minister acknowledges the difficulties but believes he is equipped to navigate these trying times in the forestry sector.

The storms have wreaked havoc across the country, taking down 24,000ha of forestry, while planting goals have stagnated significantly over the past two years.

Minister Healy-Rae faces multiple challenges in his role, including dealing with the aftermath of severe weather and a forestry planting ambition that has fallen drastically behind.

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