asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry in view of a recent An Foras Talúntais report on land use, which indicates that by the year 2000 there will be surplus grassland within the EC if he proposes to have studies carried out with a view to the possibility of increasing the production of forestry.
Written Answers. - Forestry Development.
38.
As indicated in their economic plan, Building on Reality, the Government are fully committed to expanding the area under forestry by both the State and private interests. In so far as State forestry is concerned, the plan aims at the establishment of plantations at an annual average rate of 7,500 hectares. It is also Government policy actively to encourage private planting and to this end my Department undertake a wide range of measures aimed at promoting afforestation as an alternative land use. These include implementation of two schemes which provide generous grants for planting; provision of a free technical advisory service; promotional work aimed at encouraging increased investment in forestry; liaison with farming organisations; planting demonstrations and on-going publicity through illustrated talks by Department staff, advertisements and articles in the media and participation in other agricultural shows.
Questions Nos. 40, 41 and 42 re-entered for oral reply.