8% cut in premium payments setto hit thousands in forestry sector

AN 8% reduction in forestry premium payments, announced in last week’s budget, has been defended by Minister of State Tony Killeen.

He said the decision had to be seen against the background of unprecedented pressure on the public finances and the necessity of taking difficult decisions and making choices with limited resources.

Mr Killeen said he accepted that an 8% reduction in premium levels would have an impact on 15,000 recipients. But it was balanced by the decision to maintain the establishment grant scheme, which is the lifeblood of planting and employment in the forestry sector.