Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

Some €128 million has been allocated to the Forestry subhead for 2009, demonstrating the Government's commitment to maintaining an active and substantial forestry programme into the future. This significant investment by the Government will allow for the operation of a range of forestry schemes next year. However, much of the allocation for 2009 is already committed and the scope for new forestry schemes, or enhancements to existing ones, is limited.

Given the substantial State investment in forestry over the last number of years I fully appreciate the need to manage the forest resource we have. My Department has been promoting thinning and related wood energy initiatives over the last couple of years and I recognise the importance of forest roads to facilitate this. Our officials are assessing how available resources can best be employed to meet the demands of industry for proper forest infrastructure.

Our officials recently met with the stakeholders in the forestry sector through the medium of the forestry liaison group. They fully briefed them on the financial position for 2009 and the need for the prioritisation of programme expenditure. The views of the stakeholders were sought on the areas of forestry activity where resources would best be employed and this will assist my Department in its examination of spending priorities.

The overall forestry situation is currently being reviewed in light of the allocation under the 2009 budget to ensure the available funds are put to best use. The allocation of funding to specific schemes will be on a basis of strict prioritisation of programmes in order to maximise the benefits for all the stakeholders within the forest industry.

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