Dessie Ellis
Question:46 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to reduce forestry premiums in budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39057/11]
View answerWednesday, 14 December 2011
Questions (50)
Written answers
The Government will provide almost €112 million in funding for the forestry programme in 2012. The total amount of funding for forestry is the amount announced in the 2012 Estimates augmented by a carryover of Departmental savings of €27 million from 2011. This allocation reflects the Government's continued commitment to a sector which is important both in creating and maintaining employment in rural areas, while also playing a significant climate change role.
The allocation will enable the State to pay for new planting at a level similar to this year of almost 7,000 hectares. In addition it will pay for annual premiums to existing forestry owners. Approximately 16,000 recipients, the majority of whom are farmers, will receive almost €75 million in premium payments in 2012. It is envisaged that the annual premium run will take place in April 2012. I am pleased to confirm that there will be no change in relation to the rate of payment of forestry premiums, which continue at current levels.
Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 39.
Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 32.