I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 to 90, inclusive, together.
The national climate change strategy identifies the key role to be played by forestry in terms of meeting Ireland's commitments under the Kyoto protocol. The NCCS calls for the intensification of the afforestation programme in view of the ongoing importance of enhancing sinks capacity towards reducing overall greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and assisting in meeting longer term greenhouse gas reduction.
A close working relationship exists between my Department and the Department of the Environment and Local Government in the context of forestry's role in the national climate change strategy. My Department is represented in the cross departmental climate change team and has also established an internal climate change team in order to facilitate early implementation of key measures identified in the strategy under the remit of the Department.