Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to the recent Bacon review of the forestry sector, her proposals to pursue development of the sector, particularly in reaching the planting target set out in the programme for Government 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1786/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The planting target of 20,000 hectares per annum set out in the programme for Government reflects the target set in Growing for the Future, published in 1996. The average number of hectares planted per annum since 1996 was 14,000 hectares.

The Review and Appraisal of Ireland's Forestry Development Strategy, published by Peter Bacon and Associates, is a key element in the review of the sector. The proposals in the review are being considered in conjunction with the draft EU regulation on rural development policy, which proposes reductions in EU financial support for forestry. The Bacon report reaffirmed the need for an approved planting target of 20,000 hectares per annum but commented that a lesser planting target could be a viable basis for support, providing the planting maximises the non-timber benefits. Until such time as the final terms of the rural development regulation are known and its likely impact on Irish forestry assessed it would be unwise to bring forward new forestry proposals.

I am, however, anxious to increase the level of planting and to maintain confidence in this important sector. Some 11,000 hectares were planted last year, wholly funded through my Department's afforestation schemes. For 2005, I have made sufficient funds available to support an increased planting programme of some 15,000 hectares, which I understand is probably the most that could be delivered by the sector at present.

The current availability of grant-aid at 100% for planting and the annual premiums, particularly the concession obtained in relation to the stacking entitlements vis-À-vis the single payment scheme, make forestry a very attractive land-use option for farmers.