Joe Jacob
Question:254 Mr. Jacob asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the situation of the forestry industry in relation to the introduction and implementation of new environmental protection regulations which have given rise to significant delays in the processing of applications under his Department's afforestation schemes; the percentage of applications in under these schemes which are finalised within 60 days and within 120 days; the percentage which are outstanding 120 days after receipt; the percentage of all planting as opposed to the percentage of applications which is affected by administrative delays of over 120 days; the plans, if any, he has to introduce measures to remedy these delays, particularly in relation to the issuing of detailed guidelines for the local authority staff involved in implementing these regulations; the plans, if any, he has to ensure that the periods of delay are reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10722/97]