Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Mar 1994

Vol. 440 No. 4

Written Answers. - Forestry Grants.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

229 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if persons who applied for forestry grants will receive the income derogation, as applying to approvals issued before 15 February 1994, in view of the fact that these person's lands were inspected in 1993 and have not received written approval because of the delay within his Department and they entered into a contract following the press release by the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry in which he assured applicants that grants and premia proposed would be honoured; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

My Department's records indicate that apart from certain exceptional cases applications for forestry grants from persons whose lands were inspected in 1993 received formal written approval by 15 February 1994. The exceptional cases relate to such matters as environmental issues or land ownership complications yet to be resolved to the Department's satisfaction.

If, however, the Deputy has concerns about a particular case, he might wish to bring it to my attention.