Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2023
444. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the up-to-date position on the review of the ash dieback RUS scheme; when he expects to make the review public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41447/23]
View answerMy colleague, Minister of State Hackett, announced in June that she had tasked an independent group to review existing Department supports for Ash Dieback. The group had a remit to review the existing and previous supports available to landowners with ash plantations funded under the National Forestry Programme and to engage with relevant stakeholders to seek their views on the current supports for ash forest owners.
The group has just presented the Minister of State with its report, which she is now considering in detail. She has met with the group, late last week, to discuss their recommendations and intends to publish their report shortly. Once due consideration has been given to the report stakeholders will be informed of the actions that will be taken.
There is currently a reconstitution scheme for ash dieback open for applications under the new Forestry Programme 2023 - 2027. This scheme includes the following enhanced features:
• 100% increase in the site clearance grant rate, from €1,000 to €2,000;
• Enhanced replanting grant rates under the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027;
• Those applicants whose sites are still in premium will continue to receive the premium due for the remaining years;
• In addition, for those in receipt of farmer rate of premium, a top up premium equal to the difference between the equivalent forestry type and the existing premium will be paid. This will be calculated for the remaining years left in premium and paid in a single sum.
When the Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027 opened in July it was noted that if a forest owner made an application they would not be disadvantaged if any changes are made as a result of the independent review process.
