Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2024
568. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reasoning behind the decision not to implement specific recommendations of the ash review; to provide that detail, per recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36836/24]
View answerGovernment approved a comprehensive Action plan on ash dieback in May this year. This Action Plan represents the considered response of my Department to the independent review recommendations, having regard to the requirements under State Aid Regulations, need for fairness, equity and value for money under the public expenditure code, along with national and international deforestation obligations.
Each recommendation of the review group has an associated action or clear response as outlined in detail in the Action Plan, which may be viewed at this link gov.ie/AshDiebacksupport . My Department has paid €13 million on reconstitution schemes to date and this package will amount to €237 million in total. It is a comprehensive response, and one which I am confident will also serve to boost interest and participation in Ireland’s 23-27 Forestry Programme.
As part of the Action Plan, a Taskforce was established with the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of the Plan. This Taskforce comprises officials from my Department and stakeholders including ash forest owners. The role of the Taskforce is to ensure that the Plan is implemented in an effective way, with a coordinated response and resolution of obstacles to implementation. The Taskforce has met twice, discussing each of the recommendations and associated actions and responses. Some useful clarifications have been made and actions agreed to progress the implementation of the Plan.
