14D.—(1) The Minister may, having regard to the matter specified in subsection (2), issue a general directive as to policy (in this section referred to as a “directive”) in relation to the ordering of appeals or requiring that appeals against a particular class of decision made by the Minister be heard and determined by the Forestry Appeals Committee in priority to appeals against other classes of decision, and the Committee shall, in performing its functions, have regard to such a directive.

(2) When making a directive under this section, the Minister shall have regard to the need to support economically and environmentally sustainable forest goods and services in the State.

(3) The Minister may amend or revoke a directive issued under subsection (1).

(4) Nothing in this section shall be construed as enabling the Minister to exercise any power or control in relation to a particular appeal before the Forestry Appeals Committee.

(5) The Minister shall, as soon as practicable after issuing a directive under subsection (1), or making an amendment or revocation under subsection (3), cause a copy of the directive, amendment or revocation to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and sent to the chairperson of the Forestry Appeals Committee.

(6) A directive issued under subsection (1) or an amendment or revocation made under subsection (3) shall, as soon as practicable after it is issued or made, be published in Iris Oifigiúil.]