I wish to raise the issue of forestry. Some companies will need a rescue package. A forestry programme has gone to Brussels for approval. Hopefully, approval will be issued soon. Afforestation has come to a complete standstill. It will be 2024 before companies involved in forestry will experience the financial benefit of the new programme. Contractors, nurseries, professional foresters and so on have a serious cash flow problem. It is essential that we keep these businesses afloat because, in the context of the forestry programme, they will play a key part in helping us to meet climate action targets. We must recognise that this delay, which is outside the Minister's control, is causing huge financial pressure for the companies in question. I ask that a package be put in place to assist them with their cash flow problems.

I thank Deputy Cahill for raising this matter. I recognise his advocacy for the implementation of a new forestry programme. I also recognise his strong advocacy in regard to ash dieback and the need to support forestry owners whose lands are affected by this disease to reconstitute and replant.

On the new forestry programme, we continue to engage with the European Commission in regard to submitting that and getting as quick a reply as possible. In the meantime, the radically increased new premium rates of up to 66% are now in place under a temporary scheme. Farmers have been in a position to plant under this scheme since January and receive those increased premiums for up to 20 years. That is five extra years. There will be four years for farm families. That is in place, but we also are working to get the long-term scheme in place. There is a strong future for the sector.

I thank the Minister. We are out of time.

That is being backed by the massive funding that the Government is committing to it.