Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Indeed. You cannot get around a Kerryman.

The Minister is very much aware of this important issue. Senator Carrigy and I tabled this Commencement matter to seek clarity about the new forestry programme. There has been significant worry in the industry, especially in the past two or three years, about afforestation rates and how we can move the sector forward. Unfortunately, the afforestation rate is at an all-time low and restoring confidence in the forestry sector has been a major issue for many of us. This new forestry programme is an important part of that and aims to get confidence back into the system. We need clarity regarding afforestation rates for 2023 and up to 2027 in order that people on the ground know what they can do.

We had hoped the new scheme would be announced around the time of the National Ploughing Championships and it would give an indication of what would be in the scheme so people could start planning. Unfortunately, that has not happened and we do not have an indication of the contents of the scheme. The timeline of the scheme is also a major issue. There are rumours it will be launched in January. We are now hearing from the rumour brigade that it may not happen until February, March, April or May. We need clarity that it will be launched in January and the rates, grants and premiums will be confirmed so the entire industry can have clarity.

Legacy licences are also an issue. I believe they will never be acted on because the majority of the licenceholders have moved on to other farming enterprises and may never get involved in the forestry sector.

It appears likely we will have a large cohort of foresters with nothing to do for the next six, eight or 12 months until the licensing scheme under the new programme is put in place. The knock-on effect is that we could have people left with no jobs and plants destroyed. I heard of such cases last week. It would be helpful if the Minister could provide clarity on these issues.