Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1543. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a harvesting grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41988/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Earlier this year, the Department reviewed its systems for the preparation of Appropriate Assessment Screening Determinations, Appropriate Assessment Reports and Appropriate Assessment Determinations for all forestry licence applications. The results of this review were notified to registered foresters by circular in June. This Circular emphasised the provision of a harvest plan in support of a felling application and advised that a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) should only be provided when requested.

While not mandatory, a harvest plan is recommended. It is straightforward for a registered forester to produce and can be prepared as part of the examination of a site for a forestry licence application. A forester will usually prepare a harvest plan as part of the contract for services, that may include the felling and sale of the timber, and there would be no additional cost on the forest owner.