Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 284: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her Department has examined the carbon trapping capacity of the forestry sector due to meeting current and projected Kyoto requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33654/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 285: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her Department has laid down policy or guidelines with a view to achieving the planting of trees with a high carbon sequestration capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33655/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 284 and 285 together.

Under Article 3.3 of the Kyoto Protocol, forests planted since 1990 are eligible for carbon accounting purposes. The first Kyoto accounting period will be 2008-2012 and research commissioned by COFORD (National Council for Forest Research and Development) shows that the projected carbon dioxide sequestration over this period amounts to 10.46 million tonnes, based on current average planting rates. The estimated value of this level of sequestration is €157 million based on a carbon dioxide price of €15 per tonne. To capitalise fully on the carbon sequestration potential of trees, we need to ensure a vigorous planting programme. My Department offers 100% grants and attractive premiums for up to 20 years to encourage the establishment of new forests on agricultural land. Regarding the planting of trees with a high carbon sequestration capacity, there is little difference between species in the total amounts of carbon dioxide sequestered as crops reach maturity. All species grant-aided by my Department achieve similarly high levels of carbon-sequestration.