asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the UK method of developing private forestry; and his views as to whether this system would be effective in Ireland.
Written Answers. - Development of Private Forestry.
21.
I am aware of the financial and taxation incentives available for the development of private forestry in the UK. While some of the grants available under the UK forestry grant scheme are higher than those available in this country under the general state planting grant scheme, they are not as attractive or as generous as the grants payable under the forestry element of the western package. Also the tax regime in relation to profits derived from commercial forestry and the threshold of liability to capital taxation are more favourable in Ireland than in the UK.
I do not consider, therefore, that adoption of the UK system would be more effective in the promotion of private forestry here.
Question No. 22 re-entered for oral reply.