asked the Minister for Energy if he will give his projections for total acreage to be planted in forestry for each year from 1988 to 1991; and the way in which they will be funded.
41.
Written Answers. - Forestry Planting Programmes.
32.
asked the Minister for Energy the reason the legislation necessary to set up the new body Coillte is not available.
48.
asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline his proposals for the establishment of the commercial semi-State body for forestry; when the legislation is likely to be brought before Dáil Éireann; if any target date has been set for the establishment and operation of the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
49.
asked the Minister for Energy the Department and sections who will administer the grant scheme for private planting when Coillte is operational.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 41, 48 and 49 together.
The Bill to establish Coillte Teoranta — the Irish Forestry Board Limited — was circulated to Deputies on Tuesday last and it is hoped to have it debated in the Dáil at an early date.
The Bill provides that the Minister for Energy shall appoint a vesting day, following the passing of the Act, on which the current State forestry estate will be transferred to the company along with designated staff from the Forest Service of the Department of Energy. I am aiming to have the vesting day later this year.
There are no firm decisions as yet on the planting programmes for the company in the years 1988 to 1991. These will be embraced within the targets which I will be setting for the company on a year to year basis and subject to overall financial considerations.
The funds for such programmes will be provided through Exchequer financing, guaranteed borrowings by the company, or a combination of both. The details in relation to such funding are set out in the relevant sections of the Bill and are appropriate for discussion following its introduction.
The Government will continue to encourage private planting and hopes to at least maintain the annual level at the 1987 figure of 3,200 hectares. Obviously we will be making the most of EC funds to finance both public and private planting.
The administration of the private planting grants schemes will remain within the Department but it will be open to me to avail of the services of the company for some executive aspects relating to these schemes, as appropriate, on an agency basis.
I am very pleased that the Bill has now been presented to the Oireachtas and I will welcome all contributions from both Houses at the appropriate time.