Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 247: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way his Department will meet its planting targets in view of proposals to reduce grant aid for forestry projects; if he will review these proposals in view of the financial consequences of failing to reduce CO2 emissions here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5285/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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This Government remains committed to the maintenance of an active and substantial forestry programme, evidenced by the almost €125 million that has been allocated to the forestry subhead for 2009. Over €100 million of this allocation has been assigned to the afforestation programme, which is in line with the financial commitment given to forestry in 2008.

There have been no reductions in either the levels of establishment grants or annual premiums payable under the Afforestation Scheme for 2009. The Scheme is fully operational and my officials are accepting and processing both applications for approval to plant and applications for the appropriate grant payments. I am satisfied that afforestation remains an attractive land use alternative for landowners given the grant and premium payments currently in place.

Indeed, the current suite of Afforestation Grant and Premium Schemes is the most financially attractive package 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. 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.

The Forest Service of my Department remains dedicated to the task of promoting and supporting a robust afforestation programme in order, among other things, to utilize the carbon benefits of Irish forests. Irish forests planted since 1990 sequestered 1.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2008. It is estimated that this will increase to between 4.1 and 5.0 million tonnes by 2030, depending on the rate of afforestation. The Government remains committed to working towards the achievement of this target.