My Department is committed to a policy of increased diversity of species in Irish forests, including those managed by Coillte Teoranta. This policy is outlined in the Strategic Plan for the Development of the Forestry Sector, which has been approved by Government. Included in the strategy is an objective of reducing sitka spruce to 60 per cent of total annual afforestation. Diversification is, of course, dependent on the suitability of the site to be planted. The policy is implemented through the Department's afforestation grant and premium scheme, which favours the planting of diverse species and broadleaves. Coillte, as well as other private planters, are participants in the national afforestation programme. The Joint Committee on State-sponsored Bodies, in its report on Coillte Teoranta published this year, recommended that Coillte should agree a programme with the Department for the phased reduction of Sitka spruce planting to a level of 70 per cent by the year 2000.
Coillte Teoranta is a private commercial company in which decisions are taken on a commercial basis. Notwithstanding this, and in view of the Joint Committee's recommendation, my Department is engaged in ongoing communication with Coillte
Teoranta on this issue. The company has recently assured the Department that it is committed to a reduction in the percentage of Sitka spruce planted annually, where it is commercially viable to do so. The achievement of this objective is very much related to land intake and the quality and the suitability of that land for the planting of Sitka spruce. However, every effort is being made by Coillte to achieve its objectives. My Department's grant and premium scheme, which I referred to earlier, will be used to encourage progress by Coillte in this regard.