Pippa Hackett (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

In other European countries, they do forestry differently. We are an outlier because have a massive ambition to increase afforestation. A lot of European countries are not in that boat; they are maintaining what they have and managing it differently. I understand some forestry support across Europe comes through the CAP which is a different process and was negotiated at a different time. That might be a discrepancy in terms of us having to apply for state aid approval.

I can assure the Deputy and anyone listening that we have streamlined the licensing process over the past two years. There is no issue in terms of felling licences. That was where the crisis was when I took over as Minister of State. That has all been cleared up and is no longer in issue. There is no issue with supply. Afforestation licences will be issued when we are able to under the new programme. We issue a significant number of afforestation licences, but it is the follow-up in terms of planting that is the problem. I accept that is partially due to confidence in the sector.

We have heard from other discussions today that there is pressure in terms of other land uses. Farmers may have afforestation licences and wonder whether they will use them within a year or so. I encourage them to use them. We all look forward to new programme being available as soon as possible.

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