asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline the tree planting programme for 1987 which will be undertaken by his Department; its geographical location; and the increased numbers to be employed as a result.

The planting programme to be undertaken by my Department in 1987 will be 8,000 hectares geographically distributed as follows:

Planting operations will give temporary employment over a four month period to 240 extra men in respect of an additional 1,000 hectares being undertaken this year.

Is the Minister satisfied that the geographical spread undertaken by the Department, takes advantage of the substantial EC aid which is available for planting? The Minister stated that 240 people are to be employed on a temporary basis this year. Were there not 400 people employed on a temporary basis last year also?

The question seems to relate more to private planting than to State planting in so far as EC aid is concerned. The Department will obviously press ahead with increasing the possibilities for private planting also which has its own employment content. The target for that is 3,000 hectares. I can assure the Deputy that we are referring to additional part-time workers over and above that included nationally for the full programme.

Can the Minister be more specific in regard to the number of trees that will be planted in Kerry? Is it the intention of his Department to purchase further land for forestry in Kerry during this year?

I am precluded from answering that question because another illustrious Deputy from the same county has a similar question tabled.

Is it the Minister's intention to purchase further land for forestry in Kerry during the coming year?

I will be answering a question on that matter later.

I would like to ask the Minister what grants are available for private planting other than the EC-assisted western scheme?

That is a different question. Perhaps you will have an opportunity to table it after Easter.