Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will revise the conditions of the forestry environment scheme to make it more attractive to farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27083/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Forestry Environmental Protection Scheme, or FEPS, has already proven very attractive to many farmers since its launch as a pilot scheme earlier this year. The Scheme provides an opportunity for REPS farmers to plant high nature-value woodlands on their farm with the support of a very attractive grant and premium package. To date, my Department has granted Preplanting Approvals for nearly 2,500 hectares with a further 1,500 hectares currently at application stage.

My Department has carried out a review of the Scheme and arising out of this, certain adjustments are being examined.