2773. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of money collectively paid to landowners to date under the afforestation scheme 2023-2027; the overall costs of the scheme to date, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62799/26]

The Forestry Programme 2023–2027 opened for applications on 6 September 2023. Under one aspect of that programme, the Afforestation Scheme, applicants receive grant payments and, where applicable, an annual income-tax-free premium. Premiums are payable for 20 years to applicants with farmer status and for 15 years to other applicants. Under The Forestry Programme 2023–2027 grants and premia are also paid under the Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS) for new planting.

Since the Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027 opened on 6 September 2023 up to 31 August 2026, some €38,144,850 has been paid to landowners, which also includes €3,632,504 paid out under the Native Tree Area Scheme. Payments are issued to applicants on a weekly basis.

The overall aim of Government forestry policy is to develop forestry to a scale and in a manner that maximises it's contribution to climate action, biodiversity, sustainable wood production, as well rural economic development.