Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action he is taking to address an afforestation rate of less than the 5,000 hectares expected in 2008 which is the lowest in 20 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25552/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Early indications show that planting figures for 2008 should well exceed the 5,000 hectares referred to by the Deputy. It is worth emphasising that my Department has committed a total of €126 million in the current year to further the national afforestation programme. The current suite of Afforestation Grant and Premium Schemes, along with the various support measures, is the most financially attractive package ever made available in the history of forestry in Ireland. The establishment grant covers 100% of the planting costs, while the annual forestry premium is payable to farmers for 20 years. Both the grant and premium rates have been reviewed in recent times and increased in order to make the scheme more attractive.

Under the Forest Environment Protection Scheme (FEPS), landowners can receive a premium of up to €200 per hectare, over and above their forestry premium, should they choose to participate in the scheme, which promotes the establishment of high nature value forestry. This scheme was launched as a pilot in 2007, and after some refinements, including reducing the planting level threshold from 8 hectares to 5 hectares, has been adopted into the suite of afforestation schemes.

My Department is also undertaking significant promotional activities to encourage further participation in forestry. Radio advertisements aired earlier this year, highlighting the benefits of planting forests, are supplemented by promotion and publicity in other media throughout the year.

Earlier this year Mr. John Malone completed a review of the factors affecting the rate of afforestation in Ireland. His report outlined a number of recommendations, aimed at furthering the afforestation program, which are currently under review.

With the very attractive financial package available and the promotional efforts supporting the planting programme, I believe that an increase in the afforestation rate can be achieved.