Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Question 606: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if carbon credits will accrue to private leasees of Coillte forestry. [11277/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Currently carbon credits accrue only to new forests planted after 1990. It is the Government's view that carbon credits are owned by the State, irrespective of the owner of the land. As announced by the Government last week, consideration will be given to the sale of some assets of Coillte, excluding the sale of land, when market conditions are favourable and at an acceptable price to Government. A valuation of Coillte assets is currently being undertaken by the NTMA (NewERA unit) in conjunction with my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. No decision on the possible sale of Coillte assets will be taken until the valuation process is completed.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Question 607: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the public will have access to Coillte forestry land leased to private companies. [11278/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As announced by the Government last week, consideration will be given to the sale of some assets of Coillte, excluding the sale of land, when market conditions are favourable and at an acceptable price to Government. A valuation of Coillte assets is currently being undertaken by the NTMA (NewERA unit) in conjunction with my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. No decision on the possible sale of Coillte assets will be taken until the valuation process is completed. I am conscious that Coillte's forests provide a range of recreational opportunities for the general public continuing a long tradition of open access to state owned forests. I am aware that this is a very significant issue of concern for the general public, therefore public access to recreational land will be an important consideration in the decision-making process regarding the potential sale of such assets.