Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

Regarding the carbon sequestration, the €46 million figure is applicable to 2008 and there has been a significant reduction in the CO2 produced owing to the downturn in the economy. However, I have made that argument at the various meetings I have attended and am aware of it. As the Minister of State with responsibility for forestry I am seeking to target the 10,000 hectare total. The budget is the big issue and I am obliged to review forestry funding. Everything needs to be looked at and discussed ahead of the budget. I hope the budget will give me an adequate allowance that will allow me to reach that target, but at this time I cannot commit to a 10,000-hectare programme.

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