Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Leamy and his colleagues here today, and I thank them for their presentation. It is good to see a return being delivered to the State over recent years in the form of a financial contribution. That is a positive development.

The move to ensure Coillte's landbanks and resources are better utilised for multiple purposes, such as for recreation and tourism, adds value which we would like to continue. The move to ensure value is added to Coillte's product before it is exported is also positive and should continue.

It was stated earlier that when buying land, Coillte mitigates by replacing it. Is Coillte expanding its land holdings or are they remaining constant? Is it making more use of its current landbanks? It was also indicated that it has had ongoing engagement with the Government on how afforestation levels could be increased from 11% to 14%. Will the witnesses expand on what ideas have been discussed in this regard and what initiatives need to be taken to ensure this can be achieved?

It is hoped we will achieve a positive outcome with Brexit. The UK is a significant market for Coillte products. What is Coillte's perspective on how Brexit will impact on forestry? Perhaps the witnesses would elaborate on and develop that.

The witnesses mentioned premium partnering with farmers and Deputy Kenny touched on that. Will the witnesses elaborate on the take-up of this scheme and farmer feedback on it? I recently met the IFA which is particularly concerned that the payment structure for the take-up of forestry by the farming community is not sufficient to encourage it. In too many cases, it is too acute in some areas, while in other parts of the country, it is not being embraced where it could be. What is Coillte's perspective on farmers taking up forestry? There is a threshold on the amount of unenclosed land which can be planted. Should this be reviewed to encourage more forestry planting? I would welcome the witnesses' views on this.