Ms Geraldine O'Sullivan:

I thank the Deputy for his questions. He made the point that farmers want to plant. We know from global forecasts that there is going to be a significant shortfall in softwood. There is demand for the product. As has been said, we have ideal conditions in this country for growing timber. We have seen that, where it has been done well, it has been very profitable for the families and farmers who have planted. It will provide an opportunity within a generation. We can create a forestry culture and a generation will be able to benefit from the planting of the preceding generation. It is a green product that is in demand. We see the positives. It is a carbon sink.

At the moment, though, it is too risky. Policies, including environmental policy, are evolving, so we must ensure that the investment of farmers who go into forestry is protected, or if it is not, that they have an option to get out of forestry. It is important that there be guarantees. It is also important that if we are reducing the productive area and instead planting areas of broadleaves and biodiversity, which are a public good and a service, this is recognised better within the scheme and there is a payment for it. If society wants 35% of areas to be set aside, it should not be the farmer who has to pay for that. There needs to be a link with the commercial value, given how large of an area it is within the plantation. This matter needs to be addressed within the blank page, as the Deputy said, to make it an opportunity that farmers will get into again.