Discussions on the draft EU proposal for a Regulation to support rural development under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) 2014 to 2020 are continuing at EU level. The type of afforestation measures to be funded and the level of that funding are still under negotiation. It is not possible at this stage to predict the outcome of those negotiations or to comment on the structure of any future EU funded afforestation schemes. On completion of the negotiations at EU level and following a national consultation process, Ireland's Rural Development Programme for the new round will be submitted for approval to the EU Commission. The level of EU funding available for the Programme must also be determined. The final content of the Programme, including any proposed afforestation schemes, must await the outcome of this process.