Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 3

Written Answers. - Forestry Grants Administration.

John Ellis

Question:

561 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the amount of money collected from the 5 per cent administration charge on forestry grants in each of the years 1992 to 1995; the way in which this charge was collected from farmers, private forestry and State companies respectively; the date on which the removal of this charge became effective; the reason for removal of this charge; and if removal of this charge was linked to concerns and-or representations regarding the possible illegality of the charge under EU regulations. [1139/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

The amount of money collected under the 5 per cent administration charge which applied to forestry grant beneficiaries is as follows:

	£m
1992	0.2
1993	0.5
1994	1.8
1995	2.0

This charge was collected from all grant beneficiaries prior to and separately from payment of actual grants. The removal of the charge became effective for all grants payable on or after 1 January 1996.

The decision to remove the administration charge was taken in the interest of making forestry more attractive to potential forestry developers, and in particular farmers, by reducing costs and having regard to the appropriateness of the charge.