James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 212: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures he will take to ensure the continued viability of the forestry sector, the potential unsustainability of which will have far reaching negative consequences for the sector, and involve loss to the State in terms of taxation, energy, climate change and biodiversity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13856/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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This Government is 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. 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. It is fully aware of the need to maximize the carbon sequestration potential of Irish forests, and fully recognises the economic and environmental potential of forests in the areas of employment provision, as an energy resource and in biodiversity.