asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry the number of hectares of land which has been planted by the State in each of the past three years, given separate figures for land which is being replanted; and if he will give figures of State planting for the three years out of the last 20 in which the highest area is planted.

The area of land which has been planted by the State in each of the past three years is as follows:—

The highest rate of State planting over the past 20 years was attained in the following years:—

65.

asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry whether net investment in State afforestation has increased or reduced in real terms in recent years.

The net investment in State forestry up to 1983 was estimated by the Forestry Review Group to be £876 million. Using the same basis of calculation it is estimated that since 1983 investment has increased by a further £58 million.