Written answers

Wednesday, 3 December 2008

Department of Agriculture and Food

Forestry Sector

9:00 pm

Photo of P J SheehanP J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the implications for the forestry industry and Coillte Teo as a result of budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43880/08]

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The allocation of €128 million to the Forestry subhead for 2009 is evidence of the Government's commitment to maintaining an active and substantial forestry programme. Provision has been made for the continuation of the Afforestation Scheme and some Forestry Support Schemes in 2009.

However, much of the allocation is already committed, primarily to pay premiums to farmers who planted within the past 20 years. Prioritising certain schemes in light of the funding available will therefore be required in order to maximise the benefits for the stakeholders within the forest industry including Coillte Teoranta. My officials recently met with the stakeholders at a meeting of the Forestry Liaison Group and fully briefed them on the financial position for 2009 and the need for the prioritisation of programme expenditure.

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