Vol. 493 No. 5
87 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the reason no mention of the environmental issues was made in the terms of reference for the consultants (details supplied), only to identify the requirements for and impediments to realising that potential, in view of the fact that environmental consequences of large scale planting of sitka spruce is a serious issue. [16643/98]
The terms of reference for the consultants engaged to assist in the formulation of the strategic plan for the development of the forestry sector in Ireland, 1996, included an emphasis on envirnonmental compatibility and enhancement in respect of forestry development.
88 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will distinguish between a landowner and farmer in the context of the operational programme for farming. [16645/98]
Under the current forest premium scheme a "farmer" is defined as a person who practices farming within the State i.e. a person who has an active farm number, e.g. herd number, cereal number or in the absence of a farm number has annual sales off the farm of at least £1,000; owns, leases or is involved in the joint management of at least three hectares of an agricultural holding; derives at least 25 per cent of total income from farming, including dairy farming, livestock production, the cultivation of grass, tillage and other crops, i.e. including horticultural crops whether under protected cropping conditions or in the open — income from land leasing for 11 months or less will be allowed as part of this 25 per cent; resides on a permanent basis within 70 miles of the forest plantation.
Other persons who do not fulfil these conditions may qualify under the forest premium scheme at the lower "non-farmer" rate.
