Vol. 531 No. 1
59 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will clarify his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 35 of 8 February 2001, that the national broadleaf planting target set out in 1996 is, in fact, being met, when the strategic plan for the development of the forest sector target for the period 1996-99 was 20,000 hectares of broadleaves and the amount actually planted appears to be less than 9,000 hectares. [5095/01]
60 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will confirm that in spite of the 1996 strategic plan for the development of the forest sector, with the target of 100,000 hectares of afforestation during the period 1996-99, only 58,000 hectares of afforestation took place over that period; and, if this is the case, if he will commission a five year review of the 1996 strategic plan for the development of the forest sector. [5096/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 60 together.
I can confirm that the total area afforested during the period 1996 to 1999 was 58,000 hectares, on more than 143,000 acres. While this represents a substantial level of afforestation, it is nevertheless significantly below the target set for this period in the 1996 strategic plan. The strategic plan set the target for annual broadleaf afforestation at 20% of total annual afforestation. Broadleaf planting during the period 1996 to 1999 amounted to 11,400 hectares, including planting of commercial broadleaves and broadleaves for environmental considerations. Thus the target for broadleaf planting of 20% of total annual afforestation is being met.
To address the shortfall in planting levels, substantial increases in afforestation grant and premium rates were implemented last year. It remains to be seen the extent to which these increases will lead to any acceleration in the planting programme.
Apart from this major review last year of the premium levels, we have also had the strategic review of Coillte Teo. In addition, the timber industry development group, which includes representatives of key stakeholders, is considering a number of the major issues relating to the sector. It is expected that the report of the group will be available later this year.
Other significant recent developments of relevance to the forestry sector include the publication of the code of best forest practice, national forest standard and environmental guidelines, the rural development plan and the national climate change strategy. A review of the Forestry Act is also under way. It will be seen, therefore, that most of the elements of strategic forestry policy are being tackled on an ongoing basis. When the present cycle of reviews and work in progress is completed, it will be for consideration if a wider review of the strategic plan as a totality should be undertaken.
