Representative bodies have expressed concern over the delay in appointing a designated minister for forestry following last month's resignation of Michael Healy-Rae.
The Independent Kerry TD quit three weeks ago during a Dáil debate on a motion of confidence in the Government, thereby relinquishing his role as minister of state for the sector.
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon assumed Mr Healy-Rae's responsibilities.
However, it is unclear within the Government whether there will be a full-time replacement for him, and if there is to be one, which coalition partner may be entitled to another ministry.
Mr Healy Rae resigned just over a year into his first ministerial role, saying the sight of grown men crying over the cost of diesel had prompted him to withdraw his support for the Government and Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
The forestry and horticulture sectors have had a designated minister of state in every administration since the appointment of the Green Party's Trevor Sargent in 2007.
A group representing farm and forestry contractors said there have been consequences due to the lack of a designated minister.
"There's been increasing concern in recent days from members about this position remaining unfilled," said Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland Managing Director Ann Gleeson-Hanrahan.
"These are not abstract issues. They go right to the heart of rural life. Contracting, forestry and farming are among the most demanding and, at times, dangerous occupations in the country.
"Progress in areas like safety awareness, mental health supports, and sustainable forestry development depends heavily on clear leadership and continued focus at government level.
"When a role like this is left vacant, even for a short period, it risks slowing the momentum behind vital programmes", Ms Gleeson-Hanrahan said.
A spokesperson for Mr Heydon said the minister "is covering all the sectors in the old portfolio and they are all receiving his full attenion and actions on a daily basis".
Mr Healy-Rae was appointed minister after he guaranteed the support of both he and his brother, Danny Healy-Rae, during Government formation talks with Mr Martin.
The Kilgarvan pair cast themselves as the fourth leg of the coalition stool, thereby separate to the other Independents in the administration with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
This status has prompted talk within the Government as to which component part might be entitled to nominate a successor to Mr Healy-Rae, if there is to be one.
"The coalition leaders are still discussing as to what might happen next", a spokesperson for the Taoiseach confirmed.
There is an expectation among Fianna Fáil backbenchers that one of its TDs will be promoted to minister of state.
However, one Independent minister said that developments around Mr Healy-Rae's former position "are being watched with a keen interest by the Independent Group in Government".
Senior figures at the Department of Agriculture agree it is ultimately a matter for the party leaders to decide.
Many in the wider Government are predicting the issue will not be resolved until after the two Dáil bye-elections on 22 May.
A group representing private forest owners said that an appointment must be made urgently.
"Clear political leadership at the ministerial level is also essential for forestry to be represented and engaged with", the Social, Economic, Environmental Forestry Association (SEEFA) said in a statement.
"A dedicated and focused Minister is urgently needed. Afforestation is Ireland's most significant land-based climate mitigation measure.
"The next Forestry Programme will be critical, and the sooner a Minister is appointed, the greater the impact they can have on its development".
"The sector now needs a dedicated, focused Minister who can continue the progress of the last two years and help deliver a stronger, more workable Forestry Programme for Ireland" the statement added.
The Green Party also expressed concern about the lack of a standalone minister since Mr Healy-Rae's departure.
"Government created new junior ministries where they weren't needed to keep everyone happy.
"Forestry and horticulture wasn't one of them and it requires the dedicated focus of a minister to steer the sectors through challenging times," said Green Party Senator Malcolm Noonan.
