asked the Minister for Energy the proposals, if any, he has to introduce a grant aided scheme for the encouragement of the planting of hardwood trees in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Planting of Hardwood Trees.
145.
Grants to encourage the planting of hardwood trees in the country are already available from my Department as follows:
(a) Under the EC-assisted western package scheme the planting of hardwood trees qualifies for grants of up to £800 per hectare, and
(b) The existing state private planting grant scheme which covers afforestation and reforestation in all parts of the country incorporates an additional incentive for hardwoods. I hope to announce soon significant improvements in that scheme which, inter alia, will provide additional incentives for the planting of hardwoods, and
(c) A separate incentive for farmers to plant hardwoods is being proposed under a new EC-assisted scheme. If approved by the EC, grants per hectare somewhat higher than indicated under (a) will be payable in respect of hardwoods to the category of person eligible under the scheme.
It should be noted that the foregoing are alternatives, not cumulative.