Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Acting Leader to organise a debate around the significant announcement made by the Government last week regarding the forestry programme of €1.3 billion. It is a very positive step forward. We need a debate in any of the Chambers but since the Minister with responsibility for that actual issue is a Member of this Chamber, it should work very swiftly to ensure we have the appropriate time put in place to have a decent debate about the issues of forestry.

The forestry programme has been long-debated and in particular the afforestation programme and the targets which need to be improved. Our targets for the last decade have been appalling to say the least. This programme has been talked about for the last three or four years and is something that is very much welcomed but a debate in the House is required and we need to also put a timeline on a review.

Meeting with people around west Cork over the last two days in particular, it is clear there are issues pertaining to this proposed programme. There are huge issues regarding commercial forestry and whether it is going to be affected or whether it will be adequately promoted. There is a significant grant of nearly €11,000 per hectare over a 20-year period for broadleaf planting while spruce planting is given less than €4,000 over the same period. It is about making sure we get enough commercial forestry into the system itself. A timed review of this is important. There is no point putting a programme in place that will remain there for the next five years and not have a significant uptake in actual afforestation rates. We need to have a timeline so if we do not have that increase in afforestation rates, we can come back and review the programme. I am not saying the programme is wrong but a timed review will give an understanding that it will be amended if it is not working.