Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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1717. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will include forestry owners who's forestry was destroyed by fires at a location (details supplied) as part of the windblow supports for those affected by Storm Éowyn, as a one-off, while also communicating with forestry owners the importance of insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44479/25]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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My Department does not provide grant-aid to re-establish forests damaged by fire. The Forestry Standards Manual which is published by my Department strongly recommends that forest owners ensure that they have adequate insurance in the event of a fire, including the cost of reconstitution. My Department provides guidance and advice to forest owners and monitors forest fire risk throughout the main risk period and provides Fire Danger Notices when conditions dictate, in conjunction with Met Éireann. This information can be found at www.gov.ie/en/publication/01773-fire-management/.

My Department is currently examining the provision of possible supports to those affected by windblow. While direct compensation cannot be paid, in accordance with EU State Aid rules, my Department is exploring the introduction of a Reconstitution Scheme. It will not be possible to include forests damaged by fire in such a scheme. Insurance of forests against fire is available on the open market and all forest owners are encouraged to ensure against fire losses.

As Minister of State, I am acutely aware of the fires in Roscommon and have personally met with impacted landowners. Furthermore, my Department has committed to undertake an examination of the scale of the impact of these fires.