I propose to take Questions Nos. 233, 234 and 235 together.
In my previous reply to the Deputy, I stated that the proposed grant rates for each of the forest types reflect the overall direct costs of establishing a range of different types of forests. I went on to outline the grant rates, fencing rates and the rate of grant for environmental reports. These rates have been agreed with DPENDR and have been approved under State Aid regulations by the European Commission.
The cost calculations include direct costs of operations along with overheads averaging over 40% and are designed to cover 100% of establishment costs. It is the case that costs are indicative and may vary between operations and will depend on a variety of factors such as economies of scale, rates charged by different contractors, foresters and companies. Some operations may incur different direct costs that may be lower or higher depending on site and location. The costs of operations was set after consultation and with reference to submissions from stakeholders which included the report cited by the Deputy.
I note that the total grant package available is set higher than the Coford report "Economic Activity and Employment levels in the Irish forestry Sector" and compare in the main favourably with the indicative coefficients used by the report referenced by you.