Vol. 468 No. 4
829 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has for additional afforestation in Ireland over the next decade as recently announced in the media; whether he intends to increase the rate of grants under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15020/96]
As outlined in the strategic plan for the development of the forestry sector in Ireland which I launched on 1 July, the afforestation targets are a continuation of the current annual target of 25,000 hectares up to the year 2000, and an annual target of 20,000 hectares thereafter to the year 2035. I do not have any plans at present to increase either the current grant or premium rates, but I will be reviewing the conditions of the schemes in the light of the actions outlined in the strategic plan.
