Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 April 2026
174. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what oversight mechanisms exist in relation to forestry-related educational materials distributed in schools; whether such materials are subject to departmental approval or review; and if any guidelines are in place to ensure balance between commercial forestry and environmental perspectives. [28984/26]
View answerMy Department does not directly approve or review forestry-related educational materials that may be distributed in schools.
The Forestry Programme 2023-2027 is designed to provide lasting benefits for climate change, biodiversity, wood production, and employment alongside enhancing societal benefits. The programme includes 14 Schemes and a range of supports to encourage the planting of trees on land not previously under forest, ongoing support to existing forest owners, and the restoration of native tree areas. The current programme has set an ambitious annual target for broadleaf planting, increasing it to 50% of total annual planting which represents a significant rise from the 30% target in the previous 2014-2020. A 20% minimum broadleaf component is now mandatory for all mixed forest types.
Further, my Departments Forestry Communications & Engagement Strategy centres on promoting all schemes and supports to deliver a culture of forestry based on forest values for climate, nature, wood, people, and the economy and rural development promotion.
