Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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191. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1991 of 24 March 2021, if he regards the GLAS and afforestation schemes as complementary schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27083/21]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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192. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1991 of 24 March 2021, the number of participants in GLAS that afforested a part of their holding under the afforestation scheme in each year since the launch of the scheme in tabular form; the percentage of participants in the GLAS scheme that afforested a part of their farm under the afforestation scheme in each year since the start of the scheme; if he considers this a satisfactory complementary association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27084/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 192 together.

The GLAS terms and conditions clearly indicate that afforestation is fully compatible with GLAS and is recognised as contributing to the creation of a valuable landscape mosaic at farm-level. It is also important to note that GLAS is not a whole-farm scheme and that opportunities continue to exist for afforestation and for other Forestry Schemes on parcels not in GLAS. Details on the level of afforestation on non-GLAS parcels is not currently available. Applicants for GLAS were urged, together with their Advisors, to look at the opportunities afforded by Forestry Schemes when planning for GLAS.

Forestry is one of the many land use options available to farmers and land owners and the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme covers 100% of the cost of establishing new forests and also provides annual premium payments which are paid for 15 years. All forestry schemes are voluntary and land owners have the option to choose between twelve different planting categories within the Department’s current Afforestation Scheme.

Farmers who have planted land under the forestry scheme do not do so using their herd number and, therefore, are not easily cross-checked with GLAS participants. The Department is examining whether such an analysis is feasible and will be in direct contact with the Deputy.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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193. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1991 of 24 March 2021, if he plans to have a mandatory professional forester involvement in the proposed planting of trees initiative outlined in his response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27085/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government commits to rewarding farmers for adapting to more sustainable methods of farming and to the development of a new agri-environment scheme capable of delivering broad environmental and biodiversity benefits that will align financial supports with climate objectives. To advance this aim, a pilot project, the Results-Based Environmental Agri Pilot (REAP) opened for applications on 21st April.

REAP is an innovative, ambitious and farmer-friendly pilot that will deliver an important income boost to participating farmers. While the project will support our environmental objectives, it will also support farm incomes by providing a maximum payment of €12,600 to participating farms over the term of their REAP contract. It is a targeted measure for farmers not currently participating in other agri-environment schemes.

REAP is primarily about testing a results-based payment approach for grasslands with complementary tree-planting measures. REAP participants and agents will receive sufficient training and support to allow them to carry out all works involved in the project, including tree planting should it be identified as a complementary action to achieve the objectives of the project. This project will help us identify measures for the next agri-environment scheme where we also intend to have tree-planting measures as part of the suite of actions.

Such proposed actions will, of course, be part of the public consultation on our CAP Strategic Plan.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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194. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1990 and 1993 of 24 March 2021, the percentage of the pillar 1 and pillar 2 funding of the new CAP which must be disbursed on agri-environmental measures; the amount per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27086/21]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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195. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1990 and 1993 of 24 March 2021, the cost-benefit analysis and all other associated studies which led to the decision of his Department that the forestry programme will be delivered entirely separately from the CAP strategic plan and will be subject to new state aid rules rather than the requirements of the CSP regulations; the way in which the private forestry sector including farmers will not be disadvantaged as a result of this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27088/21]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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200. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1990 and 1993 of 24 March 2021, the stakeholder organisations that have representation on both the CAP post-2020 consultative committee and the forestry policy group in tabular form; the overlap between the representatives on both the CAP post-2020 consultative committee and the forestry policy group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27095/21]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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201. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1990 and 1993 of 24 March 2021, the engagement with the forestry sector to date given that his Department is also engaging bilaterally with the forestry sector on the CAP in tabular form; the persons from his Department and from the forestry sector that have been involved in such bilateral discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27096/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 194, 195, 200 and 201 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the current Forestry Programme 2014-2020 (extended to end 2022) is entirely exchequer funded and received State aid approval from the European Commission. Due to the long-term nature of forestry, it is considered the best option to continue to deliver the forestry programme entirely separately from the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), subject to new State Aid rules rather than the requirements of the CSP regulations.

I am committed to a strong CAP Strategic Plan and to an ambitious successor to the Forestry Programme, both of which I would see as delivering for farmers, rural communities and for society as a whole. I am also committed to better integration between both of these policies as envisaged in the Programme for Government and encourage all stakeholders to make their views known on these important processes as they progress.

Various stakeholder organisations, representing a variety of interest groups, have representation on both the CAP post-2020 Consultative Committee and the Forestry Policy Group to further enhance coherence between both policy areas.

These are:

- Irish Farmers Association (IFA)

- Agricultural Consultants Association

- Teagasc

- Environmental Protection Agency

- Environmental Pillar

- An Taisce

- Bird Watch Ireland

- Irish Rural Link

A list of all members of the CAP Consultative Committee and the Forestry Policy Group are published on the Department’s website at the following links:

www.gov.ie/en/collection/ab894-cap-post-2020-consultative-committee/#membership.

www.gov.ie/en/collection/e43d8-forestry-policy-group-chaired-by-mos-hackett/#membership.

There is regular engagement between the Department and the Forestry Sector through the Forestry Policy Group, the newly established Project Woodland, and the various COFORD working groups. In addition, several Department officials who work in forestry related divisions are represented on Department internal working groups and committees in which the Department’s approach to the CAP Strategic Plan are discussed. Through participation in these groups and committees, forestry has been contributing to the briefing on the CAP Strategic Plan draft Regulations and is helping us to meet our commitment of better integration between these two significant programmes.

The draft CAP strategic plan will of course also be subject to public consultation when it is ready for circulation.

In accordance with the CSP draft Regulations, 40% of Pillar I expenditure must contribute towards climate change objectives and at least 30% of Rural Development plan must focus on specific environmental and climate related objectives.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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196. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1989 and 1992 of 24 March 2021 the declared internal changes, training and increased assistance to ecologists in the preparation of files, improved IT resources for ecologists and other system improvements will deliver in files per week and projected percentage increase of output; the date from which this increased output will be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27089/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The target for forestry licences remains at 4,500 new licences and we are committed to delivering this. Progress has been made with licences overall up 11% up on last year so far this year but this needs to be improved and sustained.

To achieve an increase in licences of this size requires a number of factors from both the Department and from applicants. Along with Minister of State Hackett, who has responsibility for forestry, we are committed to a process of continuous improvement involving ongoing changes to improve output including training, increased assistance to ecologists in the preparation of files, improved IT resources for ecologists and other system improvements. We are also engaging intensively with the sector who also have a role to play by focusing on improvement in the quality and consistency of applications and subsequent information including NISs.

While there is no silver bullet to resolving these issues, I am hopeful that, with the collaboration of all, we can reach the ambitious targets for this year.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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197. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1995 of 24 March 2021, if he will confirm that his reply again only spoke to targets as opposed to the question asked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27090/21]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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198. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1995 of 24 March 2021, the percentage of the private sector licence requirement that has been issued in view of the fact that Coillte has already received nearly 100% of its licensing requirements for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27091/21]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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199. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1995 of 24 March 2021, if it is the case that his Department does not know the number of licence and scheme approvals it must issue in order to deliver on Government targets and industry requirements; his views on whether he should task his senior officials to determine these key planning metrics immediately with a short timeframe to revert with actualities rather than base assumptions and soft targets that his officials are incapable of delivering on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27092/21]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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203. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1015 of 10 March 2021, the length of time it took his Department to approve the licences comprising this 4,500 hectares; the length of time from application to approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27098/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 to 199, inclusive, and 203 together.

It is important to note that all forestry licences are voluntary and that the area licensed, be it for afforestation or tree felling or for that matter any other forestry scheme, may not be fully utilised. The licensee may decide to afforest or to fell a smaller area, or indeed, not carry out the licensed operation at all. Furthermore, the area applied can vary and remains an individual choice.

In addition, afforestation licences are valid for three years and tree felling licences have a validity period of up to 10 years and may cover more than one felling operation. For instance, a licensee may hold a tree felling licence to thin forestry in one year and then to clear fell the same are a few years later.

Therefore, it is not possible to say with any certainty, the number of licences that must issue to achieve various targets. However, based on last year’s output, I expect that approx. 65% of all licence decisions to issue this year will be for tree felling, 20% for afforestation and the balance for forest roads. The Department has set a target of 4,500 forestry licences to issue this year.

Coillte chooses to submit its tree felling licence requirement in batches, perhaps once or twice each year, with the intention of utilising the licences for their harvesting programme in a particular year. Applications for private tree felling licences are received from individuals and decisions issue daily. COFORD have forecast that approximately 1.4 million cubic metres of private sector roundwood will be ready for harvesting in 2021. We have year to date licensed nearly 900,000 cubic metres of private volume.

The 4,500ha of afforestation approved and available to plant to which the Deputy refers are licences which issued in the last three years and remain unused. In terms of these licences, the average timeframe from date of advertising to date of decision was seven months.

The key focus for the Department now is to address the backlog and to bring a new impetus to woodland creation in Ireland under Project Woodland. Along with Minister of State Hackett, who has responsibility for forestry, I remain hopeful that the framework now in place will deliver on these aims and will result in a licensing system which meets the needs of forest owners and new applicants and the sector as a whole.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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202. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1990 and 1993 of 24 March 2021, if his officials have developed proposals to integrate afforestation into organic farming initiatives as part of the CSP in view of his confidence that the interlinkages are very much understood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27097/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Forestry is one of the many land use options available to farmers throughout the country and Department officials are currently examining proposals that would allow the integration of some elements of afforestation into organic farming. Agroforestry has the potential to deliver multiple benefits for productive, resilient and environmentally integrated farm systems. It can enhance farm productivity, increase wildlife, improve soil health and animal welfare, manage water flow and contribute to climate change mitigation.

Agroforestry can be designed in a way that avoids potential trade-offs between food production and other public goods. Along with Minister Hackett, I want to build on the synergies that clearly exist between organic farming and forestry and these are being considered for inclusion in the upcoming CAP proposals currently being developed in the Department.

I am committed to a strong CAP Strategic Plan and to an ambitious successor to the Forestry Programme, both of which I would see as delivering for farmers, rural communities and for society as a whole. I also reiterate my commitment to better integration between both of these policies as envisaged in the Programme for Government and would encourage all stakeholders to make their views known on these important processes as they progress.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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204. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1284, 1285, 1286 and 1287 of 31 March 2021, if his Department followed the Consultation Principles and Guidance as published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform dated November 2016 particularly in regard to providing feedback as recommended on page 14 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27101/21]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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205. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1284, 1285, 1286 and 1287 of 31 March 2021, if he will publish the comments received from stakeholders as referred to in his reply on his Department’s website and make available the link to the published comments in his reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27103/21]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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206. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1284, 1285, 1286 and 1287 of 31 March 2021, if he will direct his senior management to issue a circular to the industry clarifying the present position of the consultation process regarding the standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27104/21]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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207. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1284, 1285, 1286 and 1287 of 31 March 2021, the textual changes as referred to in his reply in a manner which will allow comparison with the original text in the standard in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27105/21]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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208. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1284, 1285, 1286 and 1287 of 31 March 2021, the date he informed the specific working group in the project woodland groupings of his requirement in relation to the standards for felling and reforestation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27106/21]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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209. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1284, 1285, 1286 and 1287 of 31 March 2021, if this deviation from the correct consultation process has occurred in previous consultation processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27107/21]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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210. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1284, 1285, 1286 and 1287 of 31 March 2021, if the board of project woodland is aware of the deviation from the correct consultation process in this instance; if he will bring the matter to the attention of the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27108/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 to 210, inclusive, together.

New interim ‘Standards for Felling and Reforestation’ were circulated in October 2019. These Standards immediately replaced measures relating to felling set out in the existing standards ‘Forest Harvesting & the Environment Guidelines (2000)’. The ‘Standards for Felling and Reforestation’ from October 2019 is still the current document today.

This new document sets out the standards that apply to all felling (thinning and clearfelling) and reforestation projects on all sites throughout Ireland, undertaken under a felling licence issued by the Department under the Forestry Regulations, 2017 (S.I. No. 191/2017).

When released in October 2019, comments on the document were sought from stakeholders and I understand 10 submissions were received. Many of the comments suggested textual changes to improve the practical implementation of various measures set out in the document.

The stated intention at the time was that the consultation submissions would be considered and a revised version of the document would be issued in December 2019. This, unfortunately, has not happened to date. The Department is committed to updating this document and under the ‘Implementation of the Mackinnon Report’, the updating of Forest Standard documents is a key deliverable. Stakeholders will be notified in advance and a new consultation process will be undertaken. This work falls to Working Group 2 of Project Woodland and the Department will assist in any way it can.

A key deliverable for this Working Group is to develop a ‘refreshed Irish Standard and associated documents’. A milestone for this group is to carry out a ‘Review of the current suite of Forest Standard documents and identification of areas for update’. The Standards for Felling and Reforestation is one such document. Regarding comments from stakeholders and whether they will be published on-line, this decision will be made at the start of the consultation process.