John Ellis
Ceist:197 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to improve the system of monitoring of plantation maintenance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8338/97]
Written Answers. - Forestry Plantations.
To date, the monitoring and control system for forestry plantations has operated satisfactorily and like any such system is subject to continual review. Plantations are subject to inspection at the pre-planting, post-planting, maintenance stage — four-year-old — and up to the 20 year old stage. If problems are discovered during inspection, the payment of grants and premiums is withheld until such time as the plantation concerned is brought up to standard.