Vol. 510 No. 6
115 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the implications of the new EU rural development regulation; the impact on farmers, the planting of woods and development of hedgerows, the provision prohibiting new arrangements with farmers between 31 December 1999 and the Commission's approval of the plans will have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23576/99]
Under the new EU rural development regulation, forestry will continue to provide a reliable guaranteed income to farmers, in terms of both afforestation-maintenance grants and loss of income premiums over a 20 year period. Officials of my Department are currently in discussion with the Commission about proposals to increase the level of such payments. Pending the outcome of these discussions, existing afforestation incentives will remain in place.
The development of hedgerows comes under the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.
