asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will make a statement on the current situation regarding private forestry development under the western package; and if he has any proposals to extend the scheme to the remainder of the country.
Written Answers. - Private Forestry Development.
26.
My Department are at present carrying out an intensive publicity campaign in the western region to encourage an increased uptake of the grants available under the forestry element of the western package. The present indications are that the campaign is succeeding as there has been a substantial increase in the number of inquiries received in my Department about these grants. It is hoped that this campaign will result in an increase in the rate of private planting in the years ahead. Additional officers of the Forest and Wildlife Service have also been assigned to deal with private forestry.
A new EC council directive has designated certain additional areas outside the western region as disadvantaged areas. It is intended to seek extension of the payment of the western package grants to these areas when the revision of the scheme which is currently being considered by the EC is completed.
Question No. 27 taken as oral.