Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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150. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a grant assistance scheme for farmers to replant land due to extensive damage caused by frost to their previous plantations; if discussions have taken place with the European Commission in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16460/20]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is aware of spring frost events that took place in May of this year that affected forestry plantations across the Midlands and the West of Ireland. The Department is monitoring the recovery of crops through routine inspections and surveys to ascertain the extent and severity of any frost damage arising. A Departmental Circular to the Forestry Sector was issued on 12^thJune, 2020 to clarify to Registered Foresters and forest owners the requirements of the Afforestation Scheme in relation to frost damage at various payment stages, where frost damage is an issue.

My Department will continue to assess the extent of the damage to affected crops, and whether they have had a chance to recover following the growing season.

There is no requirement for discussions to take place with the European Commission in this regard.