asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the acreage by which it is intended to increase the total area under forests in 1979.

The State forest programme for 1979 envisages the planting of 20,262 acres, including 18,791 acres of new afforestation.

Is it difficult to acquire land for afforestation?

Yes, because of the enormous appreciation in the value of land since our entry into the EEC.

Is it not a fact that the increase in the price of timber is matching the increase in the price of land and, therefore, there should not be any undue problem in paying more for the land?

Land values are still running ahead. The farming community regard land almost as a bank and like to hold on to their land irrespective of what is offered. That is the investment attitude they adopt. It is a fact of life.