Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

150. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a reduced rate for the knowledge transfer programme forestry compared to the previous programme as outlined in correspondence (details supplied). [41665/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The payment rate of €70 for participants per event attended is the same rate as applied during the pilot scheme for the Forestry Knowledge Transfer Groups; no changes to the rates have been proposed.

I consider that the pilot scheme last year was very successful and it has helped to inform the design of the current Scheme which was recently launched by Minister Andrew Doyle. I am are very pleased with the higher than expected uptake of the 2018 scheme and approvals have now issued to 52 groups comprising some 1,000 participants. Subject to available funding, we propose to launch the scheme for 2019 also, which will allow for a new intake of participants.