380. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated amount of revenue that could be raised by removing the tax exemption. [48446/26]

Forestry income, including premium and income from timber sales, is exempt from both income and corporation tax to incentivise afforestation. While my Department issues payments to forest owners, taking the variance in individual circumstances into account, it is not possible for my Department to estimate a potential amount of revenue if the exemption were removed.

The overall aim of government forestry policy is the development of forestry to a scale and in a manner which maximises its contribution to national economic and social well-being on a sustainable basis.

My Department remains committed to promoting forestry as a viable land use choice, supporting farmers and landowners through a broad range of financial and other supports.