The recent announcement on ash dieback finally recognised that landowners deserved to be compensated for losses outside their control. However, a number of flaws have been identified in the scheme by Limerick and Tipperary Woodland Owners. Clearance grants are capped at €2,000 per hectare but quotes for clearance are running at €6,500 per hectare and farmers will have to borrow money to clear the land. Compensation of €5,000 per hectare does not compare with the typical losses of €40,000 per hectare according to independent forestry valuation. What is urgently needed here is a review of this scheme and a timeline for compensation to be rightfully and urgently paid to the affected landowners. Before that can happen, an urgent review must take place.

I thank Deputy Nolan for raising the issue. The Minister of State, Senator Hackett, has worked really hard on this for a sustained period of time and I am really pleased we have got to the point of having a scheme to provide financial assistance. It has been a very stressful time for so many farmers and foresters. I know the Deputy welcomes the scheme. If the Deputy wants to write to me about the concerns arising in Limerick and Tipperary, I will ask the Minister of State to engage on it.