Vol. 466 No. 7
164 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when his Department will issue a refund of fees withheld to cover administrative costs of the private forestry grants scheme to the owners of private forestry plantation. [12275/96]
The removal of these administration fees with effect from 1 January 1996 was designed to promote the development of the forestry sector by reducing input costs particularly for farmers. I am satisfied that this objective is being achieved.
I have no plans to refund charges collected prior to 1 January 1996.
