Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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93. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to extending the reconstruction scheme to include plantations destroyed by storm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7509/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The frequency and ferocity of storm events last winter, compounded by waterlogged soils on many forest sites, led to extensive damage on private and State owned forest lands. In order to establish the most appropriate response for forest owners and the forest industry a taskforce, chaired by Mr Tom Hayes TD, Minister of State, and comprising relevant forestry stakeholders was put in place to assess the damage nationally and to identify the various issues arising. The taskforce issued a guidance note for forest owners, laying down the steps to consider in safely harvesting and selling the fallen trees and giving advice on a range of other associated issues.

Teagasc, in association with Coillte and my Department held two very successful events on managing storm damage in farm forests. These events were attended by over 400 forest owners. Teagasc forestry advisers continue to be available to discuss the issue with forest owners affected. Forest owners are also urged to get professional advice from qualified foresters to guide them through this process.

In relation to your specific point regarding a reconstitution scheme for forests damaged by last winter's storms, I can report that this matter is under consideration.