James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 17: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will respond to Coillte proposals on forestry and carbon sequestration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45299/10]

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

One of the commitments in the Renewed Programme for Government is that the Government would work with the Irish forestry sector, including Coillte, to develop a scheme relating to the carbon sequestration ability of forests and future forestry investment in Ireland. The Programme proposed that a scheme be developed through which some of the monies currently set aside to purchase carbon credits abroad will be diverted for forestry investment in Ireland. Another commitment set out in the Renewed Programme for Government was that State forestry policy would be reviewed to take account, inter alia, of its critical role in relation to Climate Change. In this context the State Forest Policy review, of which Coillte is a participant, is also considering this issue. I understand that this Review is expected to be completed by early next year.

The Government is committed to ensuring the continuation of the afforestation programme at a rate that maximizes the use of available financial resources. The funding of forestry into the future is being given serious attention and all possible funding sources and innovative proposals are being considered. Progress on this issue is dependent on a number of factors, not least the future treatment of forest sinks under international rules in the period post 2012. The rules about carbon sequestration in relation to forests and other land uses will be decided as part of global negotiations which are ongoing. Currently Ireland's Kyoto eligible forests sequester approximately 2.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually representing a significant saving to the State. The position post 2012 has not yet been agreed. I understand that Coillte are currently finalizing a document on their proposal and I look forward to discussing this with them in further detail.