Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

These schemes cover poultry and pig welfare, dairy equipment, sheep handling and rainwater harvesting schemes, as well as the bio-energy scheme. In addition to providing an incentive for farmers to invest in their enterprises and secure their futures, these schemes will make a worthwhile contribution to job creation and to the maintenance of existing jobs in rural areas.

The Government's commitment to afforestation is being honoured. The forestry sector contributes to job creation and to the maintenance of jobs in rural areas and has a vital climate change role. The funding provided for in budget 2012 will allow afforestation to continue at roughly 7,000 hectares per annum, as well as providing for the building of forest roads.

In the seafood sector, in addition to funding for investment schemes in the processing sector, aquaculture development and fishery harbours, the Government is providing for an increase in the grant-in-aid for Bord Iascaigh Mhara. I know former Deputy Hugh Byrne would be delighted with that.

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