Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 547: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding Coillte Peoples Millennium Forest (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25056/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The People's Millennium Forests Project was a flagship Millennium project sponsored by the National Millennium Committee and AIB and managed by Coillte in association with Woodlands of Ireland. This was the largest ever project directed at the expansion and enhancement of our native woodlands.

There were 16 sites involved in this project, 14 of which are in the Republic of Ireland and two in Northern Ireland. The mission of the People's Millennium Forests Project was to ensure that all future generations can enjoy the benefits of Ireland's native forests.

One element of the Project was the "Household Tree Scheme" whereby each household in Ireland had a native tree planted at one of the 13 sites of the 14 sites in the Republic of Ireland. The 14th site was exclusively for the protection of a unique native yew wood in Killarney. While a certificate was issued to each household in relation to the "Household Tree Scheme", it did not confer legal ownership of the tree to that household. The context in which the trees were planted is that they would be part of a woodland community that would remain in place in perpetuity. People were invited to participate in the People's Millennium Forests Project by visiting the forests and to enjoy the ever-changing natural environment of native woodland with its associated flora and wildlife.

I am aware that 12 of the 16 sites involved in the Peoples Millennium Forest Project form part of the Coillte forest estate. As announced by the Government in February, consideration will be given to the possible sale of some assets of Coillte excluding the sale of land. 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. The protection of the People's Millennium Forests is one of the issues to be considered in the decision-making process in relation to the possible sale of Coillte assets.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 548: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25073/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The person named has declared 10.15 hectares of forestry on all applications for Area Aid/Single Payment from 2004 to 2011. Under the provisions of the governing EU Regulation, this afforested land is not eligible for payment under the Area Aid or Single Payment Schemes. The person named has received full payment under the Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme on all of the eligible land he has declared since 2005.