Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 4

Written Answers - Afforestation Programme.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

161 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the long-term damage being done to the forestry and timber industry here as a result of the reductions in Government spending in the forestry sector for 2003. [6340/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

The Government recently made difficult choices in the area of the public finances. In making these decisions, it was not in a position to make as much money available for all programmes as we would wish to see across the range of public expenditure.

The average allocation per annum on forestry for the period 1997 to 2002 was €90 million, with an increased allocation of €107 million in 2002. The 2003 Estimates provide for expenditure of €82 million. There is no basis to suggest that this level of allocation for forestry in 2003 will result in long-term damage to the sector.

While the funding available for forestry for the year 2003 is less than would have been expected had the public finances been stronger, this does not take away from the strong commitment on the part of the Government, as articulated in repeated programmes for Government, to afforestation policy in Ireland. The Government remains fully convinced of the long-term value of the forestry programme in terms of regional development, strong and sustainable local employment, import substitution and the environment.

In a situation where the public finances are facing into a difficult period, my priority is to continue to maximise the effectiveness of investment and to maintain confidence in the sector.

Question No. 162 answered with Question No. 147.