104 Mr. Hyland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry in view of the strategy for the development of forestry initiated by his predecessor and due for publication, if he will ensure that the question of the continuing conflict of interest between land for forestry and the need to maintain the maximum number of family farm holdings is addressed with particular reference to the review of the planning regulations governing forestry development. [1647/95]

The Strategic Plan for the Development of the Forestry Sector to which the Deputy refers is being prepared by my Department with the assistance of consultants who were appointed for that purpose. The plan will address the question of forestry visá-vis rural development and will seek to further the objective of ensuring that forestry benefits rural communities.