Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman and welcome the Minister and the Minister of State and their officials.

The Minister of State spoke about confidence within the farming community who are considering planting. Like other members of the committee, I would have a different feel that farmers have no confidence in the Department at this time. I am not sure how the Minister of State can rebuild that confidence. I acknowledge the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, has had his challenges over the past number of years but now is about rebuilding confidence, encouraging farmers, etc.

Speaking to farmers, they would give me of their experience in speaking to the Department officials over the past while that the Department is still struggling with guidance around the new programme. Department officials have had a long lead-up time. There was a long number of months before the EU Commission agreed the new programme. I would encourage the Minister and his officials to get to grips with any outstanding issues that are there.

One of the members spoke about commercial timber. I am looking for the Minister of State to give a clear commitment to the growing of commercial timber. Any people I speak to say that the new programme is unlikely to succeed in the growing of conifer trees and if farmers do not grow conifer trees, we are in serious trouble. What steps will the Minister of State take? If, in six months' or 12 months' time the farmers have not grown conifer trees, what can the Minister of State do to make sure that this is to happen?

Deputy Michael Collins asked would the Minister of State meet SEEFA. I am glad the Minister of State has recognised some of their key asks and issues. I would encourage either the Minister of State or the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, to meet SEEFA. SEEFA has done fantastic work. They are an integral part of rebuilding forestry confidence among farmers and I would ask the Minister of State or the Minister of State to meet them.

The Minister of State might answer those questions. I will ask more afterwards.