I propose to take Questions Nos. 162, 163, 165 and 166 together.
I do not have detailed information on the management of specific plantation areas by the UK Forestry Commission; however, to put the position in context, it needs to be borne in mind that the Forestry Commission has over two million acres of woodland comprised of coniferous plantations, mainly Sitka spruce. I also understand that the Forestry Commission operates a policy of replanting under-performing crops. The forest service of my Department would insist on a similar policy if grant-aided forest development operations in this country were carried out in a manner which was not compatible with the protection of the environment.
Conifers, and particularly Sitka spruce, are outstanding tree species and ideally suited to the marginal soils available for forestry in Ireland. Far from causing destruction to the environment these species are major sequesters of carbon from the atmosphere and are renewable resources, thereby meeting two of the most fundamental environmental needs.
I do not accept that Ireland's afforestation policy is in any way in conflict with any international agreement or convention.
It is a fundamental condition of grant-aid that forestry development is compatible with the protection of the environment and there are a wide range of controls in place to ensure this takes place. All projects must be submitted for grant approval before work begins so that environmental factors can be taken into account. Where environmental considerations are identified other State agencies and local authorities are consulted in relation to national heritage, areas of landscape or amenity interest, areas of fisheries interest and areas of archaeological interest. Published guidelines on the landscape, fisheries and archaeology must be implemented by grant-aided forestry. Moreover, grants are not available for areas which are protected or qualify for protection under the EU Birds Directive or Habitats Directive. Applications for grant assistance have been refused and proposed projects adjusted on environmental grounds.