Ms Anja Murray:

A few different studies have been done. At the moment it is the source of some debate. The studies done to date show that there is a positive net benefit in terms of greenhouse gas emissions being absorbed by the growing forest but those studies have not taken account of aeration of the soil, the oxidation of the soil which occurs when one drains and plants. We have said they are not painting a true picture of the emissions from afforestation. Again, it very much depends on the site. We support increasing forestry in Ireland, as we have very low forest cover. However, we should move away from over-reliance on sitka spruce plantations and the clearfell replant system.