Vol. 563 No. 1
373 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has calculated the impact of the reductions in the afforestation programme for 2003 on the economy and on the future of the forestry industry; and if so, his findings regarding same. [7224/03]
My Department has spent more than €540 million on forestry for the period 1997-02. This represents an average spend of more than €90 million per annum compared with €64.6 million in 1995 and €60.3 million in 1996 and is evidence of this Government's strong commitment to the continued development of the forestry sector. There have been extensive consultations with the forestry sector involving both the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, and myself. These consultations were undertaken to ensure a positive outcome in terms of the maintenance of confidence in the sector, having regard to the contribution of forestry to the economy in general and especially in terms of rural development and sustainable local employment.
