Vol. 457 No. 1
169 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry his strategy for the continuous development of the forestry sector to ensure that grant-aided afforestation results in good quality commercial timber when harvested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14862/95]
170 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the need for courses to train farmers in new skills and knowledge in relation to the planting and growing of broad-leafed trees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14863/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 together.
The importance of plantation management cannot be overstated in the context of ensuring that as a nation we secure a satisfactory return, in terms of both timber quality and quantity, on the major investment being made in Irish forestry. Certain safeguards are already in place in the form of particular provisions of the current afforestation grant and forest premium schemes but the key to longer term success clearly lies in the area of training and skills development. The fact that afforestation on privatelyowned lands now accounts for over 66 per cent of new planting, with planting by or on behalf of farmers accounting for over 70 per cent of this component, and that in 1994 broad-leafed species accounted for 23 per cent of private planting, highlights the importance of developing plantation management skills among those who may not have any previous experience or knowledge of forestry. The recognition by such plantation owners that their stock of trees is an asset, the eventual realisable value of which will, as with any other agricultural or rural enterprise asset, be determined by the owner's commitment to its managmeent and care, is a prerequisite to success in this area. There is clearly a role to be played by the farming organisations and others in fostering this kind of thinking.
171 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will increase the forestry premium rate grants for more severely handicapped areas to the same level as non-disadvantaged areas to encourage greater species diversification especially in the western counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14864/95]
In the context of finalising the strategic plan for forestry, which I expect to bring to Government shortly, I am considering various ways in which we can promote greater species diversification. As of now, I have no plans to modify the classification of forestry premiums as between severely disadvantaged, less severely disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged areas. The grant levels payable in each of these area categories already have elements to encourage species diversification.
