Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I come from a county that has almost 18% cover and I am aware of its value notwithstanding some of the issues and the sort of impressions people have. There was a good focus in last week's Irish Farmers' Journalshowing some of the economic and environmental benefits.

We must eliminate the fear factor for landowners so that they can look at options for their land and assess its value. Then they can consider whether, for example, if they plant one variety, it will yield them an income that they can use to enhance the rest of the land. We need a change in the mindset. The Deputy said that parts of Europe have an average of 30%. Someone who is a forestry owner or owns land for forestry is called a farmer over there. It is almost a signal of failure here, and that is something we must address, although I do not suggest that can be changed overnight. The target is 18% and it is to be used as part of our effort to combat climate change and is something on which the Government will focus, no matter who is in it.

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