Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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566. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to conduct a needs analysis from the forest industry including forest owners for a frost reconstitution scheme following damage to young plantations by this uninsurable event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35819/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Department is aware of a request from the forestry sector for a reconstitution scheme in response to frost damage on young plantations for woodland owners affected by frost events experienced in 2019 and 2020. Surveys for frost damage in affected forests have been conducted by the Department. We are continuing to analyse the business case for such a scheme.

However, the timing of any such scheme must be examined in the context of resource implications given the current challenges faced in terms of forestry licences. The licensing system and the implementation of Project Woodland is our absolute priority and all efforts are focussed on maximising the number of afforestation, felling and forest road licences issued. Our commitment to issue 4,500 new licences this year requires full deployment of all available resources to achieve such a challenging target.

Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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567. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the afforestation grant and premium is not payable on areas of natural constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35820/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Lands classified as Areas of Natural Constraint are eligible to receive grants and premiums under the Department’s Afforestation Scheme, provided that the areas in question are in compliance with the relevant environmental and silvicultural requirements.

The Department has issued a Land Types for Afforestation Document in October 2017 which sets out the criteria for eligibility of land under the Afforestation Scheme.