Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2022
728. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will detail the correspondence between his Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform relating to the next forestry programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52724/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the draft Forest Strategy Implementation Plan which includes the next Forestry Programme for the period 2023 – 2027 is currently undergoing a period of public consultation.
Having secured an additional €12 million in Budget 2023 for Forestry to reach a total budget of €112m, the Department is currently engaged in detailed discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to agree the entire funding package for the new Programme and in particular the new grant and premium rates which aim to incentivise the necessary levels of planting for Ireland to meet its afforestation targets. This continues a dialogue which started earlier this year.
The Department of Agricuture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) continues to actively engage with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter and a draft of the Forestry Programme was provided to them in advance of the ongoing public consultation. A Cost Benefit Analysis of the Programme is currently being finalised which DAFM will share with the Department of Expenditure and Reform upon completion.
While discussions in this area are ongoing, when concluded, DAFM aims to provide information regarding grants and premium rates at the earliest opportunity.
