Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Cahill for raising this matter. I recognise his advocacy for the implementation of a new forestry programme. I also recognise his strong advocacy in regard to ash die-back and the need to support forestry owners whose lands are affected by this disease to reconstitute and replant.

On the new forestry programme, we continue to engage with the European Commission in regard to submitting that and getting as quick a reply as possible. In the meantime, the radically increased new premium rates of up to 66% are now in place under a temporary scheme. Farmers have been in a position to plant under this scheme since January and receive those increased premiums for up to 20 years. That is five extra years. There will be four years for farm families. That is in place, but we also are working to get the long-term scheme in place. There is a strong future for the sector.

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