Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her position on the proposed cut by the EU of grant aid for forestry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14007/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The issue raised by the Deputy relates to one of the proposals for forestry contained in the draft rural development regulation 2007-13, first published by the European Commission in July 2004 and which is the subject of ongoing negotiations in the Council of Ministers.

From the outset, the Irish position on the draft regulation in general, including the specific aspects related to forestry has been clear. On these forestry aspects, I have pointed to the negative impacts that the original proposals would have on the sector, particularly those relating to reduced establishment grants, premiums and associated premium payment periods.

Forestry is only one element of the wider rural development proposals but a very important one for Ireland and for those countries with active afforestation programmes. As the overall negotiations move to an expected conclusion in June, I will press for a satisfactory outcome for Ireland on the package as a whole, which will include an outcome on forestry which best suits our particular needs.