Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

On that exact point, national aid forestation rates have actually decreased since the Green Party entered Government. The programme for Government set out a target of 8,000 ha of new forest per year, but somehow we are only planting 2,000 ha. The licensing system is still not fit for purpose and afforestation incentives are not competitive with other farm subsidies. Despite the fact that many farms would be financially better off with forestry, the policy of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has pushed farmers away from forestry when it is vitally needed as a carbon sequestration measure to counteract other agricultural areas. I do not need to tell the Minister that it has multiple economic, environmental and climate action benefits.

While national milk and beef targets are being met through Government incentives, the forestry target has not been met and it is no where near it. The Government is currently reaching a dismal 25% of the target. We need climate action now. We drastically need enhanced forest premiums for farmers and a functioning licensing system. Will this Government please actually prioritise forestry?

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