I have raised the issue of ash dieback on numerous occasions. This perilous disease hit Ireland in 2012 and now almost 80% of our 123 million ash trees are dead or dying. Valuable land, including 2,000 ha in Tipperary, has been rendered useless. Plant and animal life have been wiped out and livelihoods have been seriously eroded. Common sense would dictate that the lands should be cleared. It is a logical and sensible move that 6,000 landowners across the country should be compensated for this calamity and permitted to clear and reuse their land, returning it to productive use. Grant aid is available but there is also a requirement to obtain a felling licence. These licences are not available as currently we have no forestry scheme in place. Landowners are angry and frustrated because their hands are tied and their pleas are going unheard. Realism must prevail here. These trees have decayed and landowners must be legally permitted to fell them.

I thank Deputy Lowry for raising this important matter which is a significant issue in his constituency. We have an interim scheme in place, which I introduced recently along with the Minister of State, Senator Hackett. It has improved the terms and conditions and improved supports on the previous scheme. We are also continuing to review how we go forward on this issue. I have made it clear that any improvements that we bring in will apply to those who move now to the interim scheme, so there is no disadvantage to anybody who moves now. I understand the urgency for many to reconstitute their previous ash forests. We have spent €9 million so far on this and are determined to ensure we see them all reconstituted. We are continuing to review the potential to provide additional supports but if we do so, anyone who moves now, and we want people to move now, will be able to benefit from any future supports as well.