asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the proposal he has to increase the land acreage for forestry planting; and the financial resources which will be provided.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Planting Acreage.
22.
Proposals aimed at increasing the area of privately-owned land under forestry and involving leasing and partnership arrangements between my Department and landowners are under consideration. The Deputy will appreciate that pending approval of a scheme by the Government I am not in a position to give more detailed information.
Does the Minister agree that one of the reasons why there has been such a slow uptake in the various schemes is the delay in getting a return for investments made in forestry? If any new schemes are envisaged by the Department, will the Minister keep in mind the necessity for getting a return in the early years as this has been a handicap in the past?
That aspect is being taken into consideration in the proposed scheme and, in the case of leasing arrangements, income would be made available on an ongoing basis from the first day.
The Minister indicated earlier that there was a sum of £4.5 million available for the acquisition of State land this year. How much of that money is being used to pay for land which was acquired last year?
I do not have that information. There is normally an overlap depending on title and so on.
Is any extra provision being made this year for the acquisition of land?
There is no extra provision being made. Last year there was a carry-over of £1 million to this year, which indicates the level of carry-over as a result of difficulties which arise.
Can we be satisfied that the Minister will not merely shift money from one subhead to another? Will there be a separate and distinct financial allocation for any new schemes which the Minister may be introducing?
Yes. The schemes mentioned by me obviously would involve extra expenditure which, in turn, would mean extra financing from a new source.
Will there be EEC involvement?
We are talking about a matter which is awaiting the approval of Government and the Deputy can be assured that if we can avail of EEC moneys that will be done.