Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 554: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the strong positive environmental and economical return to the State, funding for the forestry programme as set out will be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32497/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am well aware of the significant contribution that forestry makes to the Irish economy and society. Ireland has benefited and continues to benefit from forestry through employment, the supply of timber, the mitigation of climate change, the provision of a secure source of energy, the conservation of native biodiversity and the provision of recreation facilities to name but a few benefits. The Government has demonstrated its strong commitment to the forestry programme by providing an attractive package of afforestation grant and premium schemes. The Government will continue to support the forestry programme in 2009 by paying out almost €90 million in premiums and establishment grants to persons who have already planted. This reflects the investment that the Government has made in the past, and continues to make, in forestry. The finalisation of funding for forestry in the Estimates remains to be decided.