asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry whether it is his intention to extend the existing grant scheme to private enterprise for the purchase and planting of forestry trees beyond 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter with regard to the interest expressed by a number of persons in setting up nurseries with a view to growing young trees from seed.
Written Answers. - Private Afforestation Grant Scheme.
75.
It is not possible at this stage to say whether the grants payable at present under the forestry element of the western package will continue to be available after the expiration of the relevant EC Regulation in 1990.
While I would hope that the scheme can be extended beyond that date, the Deputy will appreciate that such a decision will depend on a number of factors including the decision in due course of the EC Council of Ministers, which I cannot anticipate at this stage, and of course the availability of the necessary funds to finance it.
My Department is continually being approached for information on setting up private nurseries. While anxious to promote initiative it is considered prudent not to over encourage these applicants because of the danger of generating an oversupply of plants.
Forest plant production is rapidly becoming more sophisticated with the impact of modern technology. One very large new operation in the private sector with an estimated annual production of six million plants has recently been established.