Donie Cassidy (Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the value of the forestry sector to the economy; and the number of jobs involved in the sector. [24468/06]

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.

Recent economic data reveals that forestry's contribution to the economy is 0.3% of GDP. While it is difficult to provide economic values for the non-timber benefits of Irish forests, the 2004 Bacon Review estimated an annual value in the region of €88.4 million for the recreation, carbon-storage and biodiversity benefits.

Some 16,000 private plantations have been established, the vast majority of these by farmers. In 2005, a total of €57.8 million in forestry premiums was paid out to forest owners. In addition, it is estimated that forestry generates employment for a further 16,000 people, directly and indirectly.