Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Oct 1999

Vol. 508 No. 3

Written Answers - Afforestation Programme.

John Perry

Question:

148 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the steps, if any, he has in place to ensure that farmers who planted forestry before 1992 will be entitled to any future increase in forestry grants and premium rates; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these farmers were excluded from the last increase in forestry premium in October 1997 which means that their premiums have fallen considerably since 1992; if he will give assurances that all farmers will be treated equally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18982/99]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods):

As announced last week at the ploughing championship, forestry premiums under the farmer premium scheme which operated from 1989-92 are being increased by an average of 15 per cent premium payments due from January next will benefit from the increase.

I am currently examining ways of assisting these landowners who planted prior to 1989 and would hope to make an announcement in due course.