Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I will support the amendment. However, I do not believe this will be a silver bullet to meet our target of 8,000 ha per annum. I spoke earlier in the Dáil on this matter. I have a couple of specific questions to put to the Minister. The Social Economic Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland, SEEFA, has voiced concerns around the lack of detail given to the industry stakeholders regarding this amendment. We all received messages and emails from that organisation. What consultation took place with the industry regarding the amendment? Will the involvement of registered foresters be mandatory for the planting of these areas? Who is going to oversee what species of trees is being planted? I know this has been a big issue for the Department.

How many plants per acre are being envisaged in these areas? How will that compare to the current rates of afforestation? When will consultation take place between the stakeholders to ensure that the measures developed will complement existing tree-planting schemes?

The species of trees involved are contained within the amendments. The Chairman mentioned Sitka spruce not being included in that list while some strange species of trees are included. I am not sure many people will grow native crab apple trees. People have been cutting them down for years. I find it strange that the Minister cannot broaden the list of the species of trees set out in the amendment.