Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2017
881. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional cost to the Exchequer based on participation rates on implementing over a full year the proposal (details supplied) in the midterm review of the forestry programme from 2014 to 2020. [45677/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA number of changes in my Department's forestry schemes are being considered as part of the Mid-Term Review of the Forestry Programme 2014-2020. My Department is involved in detailed discussions with stakeholders on it, including on the issues raised by the Deputy. Obviously any proposals must have regard to the available budget, value for money and the liability accruing to the State in future years. I expect that the Review will be published in the coming weeks.
Based on 2016 planting levels the additional cost to the exchequer of implementing the proposed GPC 1 rate increases would be €461,700. This includes first and second establishment grants and 15 annual premiums. If this increase in rates was implemented the likely effect would be an increase in GPC1 planting. If GPC1 planting increased to 2010 levels (385 hectares) the additional cost would be approximately €1.6 million.
