Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 22: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to develop the forestry sector and increase its uptake; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40456/06]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for the development of the forestry sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40444/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 113 together.

The new Rural Development Programme for the period 2007-2013 includes a number of proposed new measures to make investment in forestry more attractive than ever. These include support for investment in recreation as well as wood energy initiatives.

In terms of the Afforestation Scheme, we will continue to provide 100% planting grants. Together with the 15% increase in premium rates I announced as part of the successful conclusion to the Partnership discussions, the forestry option remains an attractive and viable alternative for farmers. The detail of the new Rural Development Programme has yet to be finalised and is currently the subject of a public consultation process. A possible measure as provided for in Article 47 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 to establish a new environmental forestry scheme is also under consideration.

Earlier this year my Department embarked on a joint initiative with the Irish Forestry Industry Chain (IFIC) under the heading 'Forests for a Bright Future' to highlight the multifunctional benefits of forestry and to stimulate up-take in the afforestation programme. This promotional campaign is expected to run for at least eighteen months, and is promoting the advantages of forestry, particularly to farmers, with a view to increasing the rate of new planting.