Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1248. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 292 of 19 October 2022, the specific date that his Department began discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the next forestry programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54107/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am pleased to advise that I have secured a package of €1.318 billion for forestry which will support the biggest and best-funded Forestry Programme ever in Ireland. This is the outcome of detailed discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform which are ongoing since earlier in the year and formally commenced in June.

This funding guarantees continued payments to those forest owners who planted under the current Afforestation Scheme and who are still in receipt of premiums and offers new and improved rates to those who undertake planting and sustainable forest management under the new Programme.

Increases in premiums for planting trees range from between 46% to 66% are proposed, along with a longer term of 20 years for farmers.  Grant rates for forest establishment are also showing increases of around 20%.  It is hoped that these substantial increases will incentivise behavioural change and re-engage landowners and farmers with forestry. 

This Programme will also be subject to state aid approval from the European Commission and the Department is actively engaging with the Commission to progress toward approval.