Michael Ring
Question:127 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will have his lands re-assessed for the establishment of a forest plantation. [21104/99]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
I understand the person in question originally applied for approval for grant aid for afforestation of two plantations in 1998. Approval was not given as it was deemed that the lands in question were not capable of producing economic commercial crops of timber. A subsequent appeal by the applicant resulted in a reassessment of the applications by two senior forestry inspectors and a senior administrative official of my Department. However, the areas were again found not to be capable of producing economic commercial crops of timber. In the circumstances, I am satisfied that a further reassessment of the case would not be warranted.
Michael Ring
Question:128 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether lands designated as not capable of producing a commercial crop of wood by Department officials should be reassessed by an independent body rather than officials within his Department, particularly in cases where the landowner disputes the designation. [21105/99]
The present procedure in a case where a forestry inspector from my Department deems an area of land as not capable of producing a commercial crop of timber, is that the case may be reconsidered, on appeal, to two senior departmental forestry inspectors and a senior administrative officer. I am not satisfied that this procedure is fair and reasonable, in that the final responsibility for approving EU supported grant aid must rest with my Department.
The applicant is, of course, entitled to submit whatever supporting evidence, including the opinion of a professional forester, as it felt warranted and such evidence will be taken into consideration by the personnel handling the appeal. In addition any applicant who feels that an incorrect or unfair decision has been taken by my Department can have recourse to the Office of the Ombudsman.