asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if, in view of the fact that this country still has a smaller area under forestry than any other EC country, he will indicate the measures the Government are taking to increase areas under forestry; if he is satisfied that the powers to acquire land for forestry at present are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

While the proportion of the land area of this country devoted to forestry is undoubtedly low, I would point out that the planning rate Per capita is the highest of any developed country.

The Government are fully committed to expanding the area under forestry by both the State and private interests. In so far as State forestry is concerned the economic plan, Building on Reality 1985-87, aims at the establishment of planta-ions at an annual average rate of 7,500 hectares. It is also Government policy to encourage private planting and, to this end, very generous grants and a free technical advisory service are now readily available. I am glad to say that there is evidence of an increasing interest in private forestry in recent times.

The statutory powers in relation to land acquisition for State afforestation are quite adequate. I might add that the annual level of offers of land to my Department for foresty is of the order of 12,000 hectares at present and the funding allocated for land purchase is the highest ever provided for the purpose.

I asked the Minister if, in view of the importance of forestry and the low level of forestry here — 5 per cent as against an EC average of 23 per cent — he will indicate if he recognises the fact that in Europe it is expected that in the next 25 to 30 years there will be a grave shortage of timber. Already it is a huge item on the important bill of the EC. Will the Minister agree that now is the time to expand our forests? Does the Minister intend to increase the level of planting? His reply does not indicate any increase in the level of planting and I want to know the plans, if any, for increasing the amount of forestry so that we will be able to contribute to the expected shortage of timber in the next 30 years.

We would be able to provide timber if we started now.

I am aware of what the Deputy has referred to in relation to the shortage of this commodity in the European market and the increasing shortage in the years ahead. What I have said may have escaped the Deputy's attention. We are in a unique position in that 85 per cent of our total afforestation is in State hands. On the European front it is 50:50 or better on the private sector side and I endeavour every time I open my mouth to encourage private afforestation here. Deputies should undertake to do that because it is in the interest of the future of our economy that they should do so. There is evidence to show that, because of the generous grant-aid available, and the free technical advisory service, the private sector is showing a very keen interest in this. I can see a major expansion in that sector.

In regard to State involvement I should like to remind the Deputy, and the House, that like everybody else I must stay within the confines of financial requirements but, despite that, we are providing money at a rate higher than was ever provided for acquisition and management of State forests. However, it is the private sector that needs encouragement to take up this very viable and worthwhile operation.