Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
757. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how many native woodland scheme training courses are scheduled before the end of 2023, given it is now mandatory to have this scheme done to lodge applications for FT1, FT2, FT3 and FT5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39887/23]
View answer765. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will carry out in-person training to prepare foresters for the new programme specifically regarding organo-mineral soil with a peat depth or equal to 30cm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40001/23]
View answer766. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will carry out in-person training to prepare foresters for the new programme specifically on how to identify modified fen of modified cutaway raised bog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40002/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 757, 765 and 766 together.
Significant training requirements exist to support the delivery of the new Forestry Programme, and this work is underway. Last month my Department held two initial online information sessions for Registered Foresters on the new afforestation scheme in advance of its launch on the 6th of September.
Further training is required in a number of areas, particularly land types identification. In-person and field training will be provided to Registered Foresters and other relevant professionals in early October, and will be delivered regionally. Beginning on the week of Monday 25 September, it is also intended to conduct a series of short webinars to cover specific issues, in particular the use of new INET features, Native Woodland Establishment, the Deer and Tree Shelter Scheme, Forest Design, Forest Roads, and further Land Types Identification training and orientation. We will shortly write to registered foresters and other relevant professionals with details and times of these training events.
Guidance documents such as Land Types for Afforestation and Environmental Requirements for Afforestation are also available on my Department's website, at the following link gov.ie - Regulation, Forest Health and Resources (www.gov.ie). An FAQ document on the Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027 is available here gov.ie - Forestry Grants and Schemes (www.gov.ie).
