Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Feb 1993

Vol. 426 No. 5

Written Answers. - Policy Changes.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

262 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the policy changes, if any, which underpin the increases or decreases in the subheads in votes control by his Department; and if he will make a statement on whether increased or reduced services will be provided by his Department in 1993.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

Estimates Agriculture and Food.

Arising from policy changes involved in the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, part-funded by the FEOGA Guarantee Section of the EC Budget, provisions have been introduced for an agri-environment programme and a farmer retirement scheme.

The services provided by my Department will be maintained or increased as necessary during 1993.

Estimates Forestry.

A fundamental policy goal is progressively to expand annual planting. Increased services underpin the Estimates under which provision is made for grant-aiding some 12,000 hectares of new planting by the private sector, compared to just over 9,400 hectares in 1992.