ter for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry if he proposes to submit a scheme to the European Commission under Directive 797 for grant aid for farmers who use their lands for forestry, to be paid over a period of years in lieu of cattle headage.

The possibility of submitting a scheme of the type referred to is at present under examination in my Department.

114.

asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry if he proposes to introduce any new measures to encourage the conversion of part of their land to afforestation by small-holders in the disadvantaged areas of Ireland.

My Department is at present examining proposals for a countrywide scheme under Council Regulation (EEC) No. 797/85 for grant-aiding the afforestation of land by farmers.