asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the total percentage of the land area of the country under forest; and how this compares with the European average.

In Ireland approximately 5 per cent of the total land area is afforested. This compares with an average of 21 per cent for the EEC. While, within the EEC, Ireland has the lowest percentage of land under forestry it is worth mentioning that, per capita, we have a greater afforested area than many other member states. In addition, the growth rate in afforestation in this country is markedly higher than in any other member state and four times the average for the EEC as a whole.

As the Minister is aware, in 1982 we imported over £300 million worth of timber and allied products and I understand that our growth rate is particularly high compared to other EEC countries. Given the fact that, on average, we have one-quarter of the area under afforestation as a percentage of land area in the country as our EEC colleagues have, would the Minister indicate what type of expansion he can see in this over the next few years and whether his Department have a programme to ensure that all land which is suitable for afforestation will be taken in and used for that purpose?

That does not arise on this question.

Well, it arises on the next question.

Is the Minister aware that there is now a serious deterioration in our land reserves? If so, what proposals has he in mind and what allocations can he provide for this coming year to ensure that there will be adequate land available for future development?

I am aware of the situation. That is in reply to the first part of the Deputy's question. In relation to the resources available this year the Deputy will realise that at the moment we are discussing the Estimates and he will know that until discussions on the Estimates have been completed and published I am not in a position to comment on the level of allocation that will be made available for land acquisition for the coming year. Could I add that, together with the normal discussion on the Estimates under this particular subhead there is a document which is now with the Government in memorandum form proposing other ways and means of expanding the land acquisition process apart from the normal purchase-acquisition type of approach which has been traditionally the case.