Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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284. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a precise timeframe has been set for the mid-term review of the Irish Forestry Programme; his views on whether this is a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42119/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Forestry Programme for the period 2023-2027 aims to encourage a substantial increase in afforestation by offering attractive and diverse options for planting. This Government has committed €1.3 billion of funding to the Programme in order to support our national ambition of 8,000 hectares of afforestation per year. It also provides for a range of schemes to support the maintenance and sustainable management of forests.

My Department has committed to undertaking a mid term review of the current Forestry Programme in 2025. This will be conducted in consultation with stakeholders. Depending on the outcome of this review, certain proposed changes may require approval from the European Commission under State Aid Rules. These resulting agreed changes will be implemented prior to the end of the current Forestry Programme 2023-2027 term.