Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2022
728. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his response to the recent observation letter of the European Commission regarding the states draft CAP Strategic Plan as it relates to forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26249/22]
View answerI welcome the recognition given to the important role of forestry in the recent observation letter from the European Commission. As the Deputy may be aware, a national shared vision for the future of Ireland's trees and forests and a new Forestry Strategy are currently being developed. Extensive public consultation process on the new strategy is under way.
The new Forest Strategy for Ireland will underpin a new Forestry Programme in the form of an Implementation Plan for the Strategy for the period 2023 - 2027. The support and enhancement of forest ecosystem services including carbon sequestration potential and biodiversity contribution will be delivered through the mechanism of this Implementation Plan.
The new Forestry Programme will be 100% exchequer funded and due to the long-term nature of forestry, it is considered the best option to continue to deliver the Forestry Programme entirely separately from the CAP Strategic Plan, subject to new State Aid rules rather than the requirements of the CSP regulations.
The interlinkages between the CAP Strategic Plan and the new Forestry Programme are well understood. These two significant programmes will provide the mechanisms to deliver for farmers, rural communities and for society as a whole.
