John Ellis
Question:163 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of inspections carried out on private forestry plots in each of the years 1991 to 1994 prior to payment of premiums. [6885/95]
Written Answers. - Inspections of Private Forestry Plots.
There are two inspections carried out on private forestry plantations prior to payment of premiums. The first inspection occurs prior to planting and, on this basis, inspection grant approval is either granted or refused. Following planting a further inspection is carried out for grant payment purposes.
In 1994 the Department introduced a scheme which allows certain contracting companies to undertake assessment of plantations prior to planting and at grant payment stage. In these cases the Department inspects one-third on average at each stage.