Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The replanting obligation is a psychological issue for many farmers. When farmers buy into it, we hope they buy into it for life or for generations, rather than having the obligation of replanting. When members of the committee went to Brussels, we were told the European Union does not have a policy for forestry, but a strategy. Forestry policy is up to individual member states. I ask for clarity on the replanting obligation. Is that a member state or a European decision? Some members of the committee were on that trip at which we would have got an understanding that the strategy is only a strategy but the policy comes from the member states. I ask for clarity on that.

I attended a meeting of the Forestry Owners Co-operative Society in Dunmanway last Thursday night. They were asking about how the trading of carbon credits will tie into farming. I will be honest in saying it is an issue I know very little about. Where do we stand with carbon credits? If the Ministers are not able to answer tonight, they might inform the committee. There is an interesting debate about another avenue to make sure people get involved in forestry. It would be helpful for me and the general public to get clarity on that issue.