Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2022
716. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the expenditure by the forest service of his Department is in line with budget for April 2022, thereby ensuring there is no underspend again in his Department for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25927/22]
View answerExpenditure for April 2022 was €3,244,838.37 which is slightly under the profiled amount of €3,304,580. The remainder of the forestry budget has been apportioned to meet anticipated budgetary needs during the year. The budget allocation provides for new planting, the servicing of existing afforestation contracts and payments in relation to forestry support schemes. The Deputy will be aware that afforestation scheme is demand-led. My Department will continue to closely monitor expenditure versus anticipated spend throughout 2022.
