Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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2510. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when forestry grant payments and an inspection will be carried out to facilitate replanting for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19507/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The person named applied for the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme and planted the site in 2012 and has now applied for the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (Ash dieback) because of the impact of ash dieback on the plantation.

In terms of the original afforestation application, the first instalment grant and six annual premiums, for the years 2012 to 2017 inclusive, have been paid. Under the Scheme rules, the seventh and subsequent annual premiums cannot be paid until the second instalment grant has been approved for payment.

The application form for the second grant (Form 3) was posted to the person named on 10th November, 2015, but the form has not been returned to date. No further payments on this contract may issue until that form is submitted, and subject to inspection, payment of the second instalment grant is approved. In addition, although applications had been made online for annual premiums, no applications have been received for the annual premiums for 2018 to 2021, inclusive.

It is open to the person named to submit the application for the second instalment of the afforestation grant and for outstanding premiums and arrangements will be made to have the forest inspected. Whether or not payment of the grant can be approved at this time will be dependent on the outcome of the inspection, which will take account of the application for the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme. If there is significant damage from disease to the plantation, the applicant would have to replant with different species under the RUS scheme to qualify for the 2nd instalment grant and premiums.