Mary Wallace (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

Over the past couple of years, we have provided many incentives and much encouragement to farmers not already growing forestry to participate in the growing of forestry. That is one of the main reasons we introduced FEPS. We considered that many farmers involved in REPS would plant forestry except that the REPS payment was so attractive. FEPs looks to balance that position and we have noticed that many farmers involved in REPS are looking at forestry as an option in a REPS plan, which is very positive.

On the native woodland aspect, many of our schemes look to encourage the growing of native woodland. At this time, some 30% of what is being planted is native woodland.

It is important to mention that we have promotional schemes and the Deputy may have heard some of the advertisements currently on radio. We have a joint promotional scheme with IFIC and we also have the RDS awards, which promote good forestry management. That also involves native woodland and our actions are all about promoting both types.

See this speech in context