Vol. 554 No. 5
848 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the Government intends to ensure the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy 2000-2006 commitment to 30% broadleaf annual afforestation rates by 2006; and the measures he has put in place since 2000 to achieve this. [17375/02]
849 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason the broadleaf afforestation rates in 2001 fell again to 12.4%; and the measures he will take to reverse this trend. [17376/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 848 and 849 together.
My Department is confident that the 30% broadleaf target will be reached by the end of 2006, in line with commitments in the CAP rural development plan. Broadleaf planting in 2001 was 18%. The 12.4% figure quoted is the total broadleaf planted by grant category. It does not for example include broadleaves planted under the 20% diverse conifer category or broadleaves planted for environmental or landscape reasons. When account is taken of these the correct figure for broadleaves planted in 2001 is 18%. As outlined in the rural development plan progress is being reviewed on a regular basis. In 2001 my Department launched the native woodland scheme and the neighbourwood scheme, both of which promote the planting of native broadleaf species.
