Department has no control over school book about tree that doesn't sustain Ireland's ecology

The Sitka Spruce has faced significant criticism for its effect on Ireland’s native ecology, notably in its tendency to overly acidify the soil in which it grows — thus negatively affecting waterways — and its inability to support native wildlife. File picture: Larry Cummins

The Department of Education says it has no control over the texts used in schools after a book endorsing the Sitka Spruce was sent to all primary schools last week.

Copies of the book, titled Sitka Spruce the Amazing Timber Tree, were distributed to the schools last week.