Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his future interests in the forestry sector; his plans to maintain forestry premiums; his plans to encourage forestry; his future outlook on forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42410/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Funding for forestry in 2013, like every other item in my Department’s budget, will be determined in the context of ongoing discussions on the framing of the 2013 Budget. In 2012 the Government provided almost €112 million in funding for the forestry programme, reflecting its continued commitment to a sector which is important both in creating and maintaining employment in rural areas, while also playing a significant climate change role. I am committed to achieving the highest possible level of funding for forestry into the future, to ensure a sustainable and viable industry, and to provide attractive incentives to farmers and other landowners to plant their land. The level of interest in forestry remains high among farmers with approval of applications running ahead of levels achieved in the corresponding period in 2011. I am confident that this level of interest will be sustained.