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Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018

Tuesday, 13 February 2018

Ceisteanna (61)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

61. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the contact he has had with Coillte about the current non-payment of forestry financial instalments due to contracted farmers; his plans to carry out an audit to ensure all lessors are being paid with correct contract terms in place; his further plans to meet Ireland's target of planting 7,100 ha of forestry a year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7141/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Coillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the Coillte Farm Partnership Scheme, are the responsibility of the company.

The company has, however, since it’s meeting with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, on 12 December, provided my Department with general briefing about farm partnership contracts entered into between the company and landowners. The company has also updated my Department on the actions it is taking in response to concerns about certain contracts and to improve its communications with their farm partners. My colleague, Minister of State Andrew Doyle, TD, who has special responsibility for forestry met with Coillte last week, at which Coillte provided a comprehensive update.

As mentioned, the Coillte Farm Partnership Scheme is an operational matter for the company. Coillte has advised, however, that, as a result of issues that have been raised by a small number of partners, Coillte has been conducting a thorough review. Coillte advise that, while this process is still ongoing, it can confirm that having reviewed its contracts with farm partners, it is satisfied that there are no cases where farmers have not been paid what they are due and it is satisfied that it is fulfilling all of its contractual obligations. I am also advised that Coillte has engaged the services of KPMG to carry out an independent review and to help improve the quality and level of information provided to partners, particularly in relation to payments and how they are calculated. Coillte also advise that, from 2018 onwards, partners who are due to receive annuities in the coming years will receive an annual statement that includes payment information.

As regards plans to meet annual afforestation targets, my Department is currently undertaking a midterm review of the Forestry Programme 2014 - 2020 under which there will be proposals to make further improvements to the forestry schemes. These improvements are aimed at encouraging farmers to see forestry as part of the farming enterprise as opposed to being an alternative to farming. I expect to be making a further announcement on this Review and its recommendations in the coming weeks.

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