Vol. 455 No. 1
161 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will give a breakdown of the amounts paid in grants and the amounts paid in premiums to farmers and to non-farmers under the forestry programme for each year since 1990; and of the amounts paid to non-farmers, if he will set out separately payments in grants and premiums paid to the State agency, Coillte. [11804/95]
The amount of grants and premiums paid to farmers, non-farmers and Coillte Teoranta for each year 1990 to 1994 are as follows:
|
Year |
£m Farmers |
£mNon-Farmers |
£m Coillte |
|
(Excl. Coillte) |
|||
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
|
|
1990 |
2.491 |
3.280 |
2.010 |
|
1991 |
5.933 |
2.44 |
9.182 |
|
1992 |
4.221 |
5.035 |
13.974 |
|
1993 |
8.36 |
3.316 |
9.292 |
|
1994 |
15.484 |
6.326 |
11.075 |
162 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will continue paying forestry grants and premiums to non-farmers and others, some of whom are not even resident in this country or in the European Union in view of the fact that the accompanying measures in CAP reform were designed to assist farmers to diversify and to compensate them for restrictions on other commodity areas. [11805/95]
Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2080/92 which instituted the current European Union aid scheme for forestry measures in agriculture specifically provides that where the afforestation of agricultural land is involved aid in the form of both grants and premiums may be given to farmers and to any other private-law, natural or legal person. To restrict the scheme in its application in Ireland in the manner implied by the Deputy would be in conflict with the regulation. I would have to say that the current scheme is a success in so far as its attractions for farmers are concerned, as borne out by the fact that almost 80 per cent of planting on privately-owned land is being undertaken by farmers. I am committed to encouraging the development of forestry as an alternative farm enterprise and I am pleased that a growing number of Irish farmers are availing of what is a most attractive asset and income option. I will continue to take and support measures to achieve further success in this area.
163 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he intends dropping the unjustified five per cent administration charge on applications for forestry grants and premia. [11806/95]
In the context of the major national drive for the development of the forestry sector which I recently announced, I am keeping under review the conditions and procedures relating to the operation of the various forestry development schemes operated by my Department to ensure their optimum utilisation throughout the country. This ongoing review will include the questions of the administration charge on applications for forestry grants and premia.
