Tom Shehan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for providing this substantial reply. I am glad that forestry payments will not be affected for those whose plantations have been destroyed and that there will be no trimming of that. Much of this forestry is 15 or 20 years into a 30-year lifespan and so the value is minimal. The cost of the harvesting will probably be as much as will be achieved in selling the product because it is only half way there.

The Minister of State made a valid point. People in the industry have told me that our forests lack good drainage, which may be one reason for the extent of the wind damage. I thank the Minister of State for the reply and I hope that another day - beidh lá eile - funding may be made available for this.