Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps which she is taking to encourage the planting of forestry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12054/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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A comprehensive range of incentives and supports is available from my Department to encourage the planting of forestry. Under the forestry grant and premium scheme, grants are available to cover 100% of planting costs, as well as a 20-year tax-free premium for farmers — 15 years for non-farmers — of up to €500 per hectare, depending on the species planted. Substantial tax concessions are also in place for forest owners. The single farm payment scheme enables farm-foresters to plant up to 50% of their eligible claimed areas with forestry, attracting immediate payment of forestry premiums, while still drawing down their full single farm payment.

Supports are also available for the growing forest in the form of grants for the shaping of broadleaves and pruning of conifers, with expenditure in 2005 on these schemes of €10.5 million. Grants are also available for the construction of forest roads to facilitate access for management and harvesting operations. Expenditure on forest roads in 2005 came to €3.3 million. In addition to these direct supports, funding is provided for research, advisory services and promotion. Free and independent advice on all forestry matters is available from Teagasc. This advice is provided with funding support from my Department.

In conjunction with the Irish forest industry chain, the forest service of my Department will shortly launch a major promotional campaign to further encourage new planting. I am convinced that sustainable forestry is of major importance to the securing the viability of rural Ireland and underpinning quality of life. It represents a major option for effective land use in Ireland.