Donie Cassidy (Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 62: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the value of the forestry sector to the economy here; and the number of jobs involved in the sector. [12198/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The forestry sector provides a high value input to the national economy, and makes a significant contribution to the economic well being of rural communities. It is estimated that the forestry sector contributes some €698 million annually to the economy. In addition, the value of the non-timber benefits of Irish forests has been estimated as being of the order of at least €88 million annually, in respect of recreation, carbon-storage and biodiversity. In recent years over 14,000 private plantations have been established, the vast majority of these by farmers. In 2005, a total of €58.1 million in forestry premiums was paid out to forest owners. The level of employment generated through forestry in Ireland is of the order of 16,000 people, not including forest owners.