Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 375: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to review the forestry premium levels and ensure by 2012, that a minimum of 30% broadleaf will be planted annually. [18153/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The annual forestry premium increased by 15% from 2007, with a maximum payment of up to €574 per hectare per annum paid over 20 years. Under the new FEPS an additional premium of up to €200 per hectare for five years is available to farmers in REPS who join FEPS.

The target of 30% broadleaf planting has been achieved in 2005 and 2006 and this broadleaf planting target remains in place for the 2007-2013 programming period. The incentives for broadleaf planting continue with higher premiums payable for broadleaf species.