asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry the cost this year of planting trees per hectare; and if the grant to farmers for private planting is based on this cost.

It is estimated that the average cost to farmers of planting a hectare of trees is approximately £1,200. Costs vary according to the soil type, size and nature of site involved and the preparatory work needed for the successful establishment of a plantation.

Under the EC western package scheme grants of 85 per cent of the approved costs of planting are payable to farmers subject to a maximum of £800 per hectare. The non-EC planting grant scheme operated by my Department provides for payment of flat rates of grant of varying amounts depending on the acreage and species being planted.