Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the use of unenclosed ground for forestry purposes; the level of funding in respect of forestry in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26746/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The amount of unenclosed land in any application for financial approval under the afforestation schemes cannot exceed 20% of the total area. All applications submitted to my Department for approval to undertake afforestation are examined by reference to the silvicultural and environmental suitability of the site for forestry. This includes an assessment of issues such as soil type, soil fertility, exposure etc., along with an assessment of the potential impact of the project on water quality, landscapes and nature conservation. My Department cannot use Exchequer funds to support the establishment of new forests in areas that are silviculturally unsuitable for forestry or where forestry may negatively impact on the environment.

The level of funding for forestry in 2012 will be determined in the context of ongoing discussions on the framing of the 2012 Budget, publication of which takes place in early December.