Vol. 516 No. 4
41 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the reason the new EU forestry scheme does not include, in the increased grants and premia, farmers who planted under the CAP forestry measures since 1992; and if he will clarify issues regarding indexation of premia, criteria for qualifying as a farmer and plantation inheritance. [7902/00]
The application for higher forestry incentives submitted to the European Commission by the Irish Administration last August proposed increased premium levels for those who planted under Council Regulation 2080/92 as well as for those proposing to plant in the current season. However, because of the protracted nature of the discussions with the commission, I decided that the primary focus would have to be on securing increases which would have an impact on planting in the current season. The substantial increases announced by me on 6 March achieved that objective.
As I indicated on that occasion, it is the intention now to pursue the question of adequate increases for those who planted in earlier years. The matter is listed for discussion with Commissioner Fischler next week and will then be pursued at official level. I will remain in close contact with developments.
I favour a procedure under which premium rates are reviewed at three yearly intervals over an approach based solely on indexation. The latter approach would not, for example, have yielded the increases recently secured.
The issues of farmer eligibility and plantation inheritance are being addressed in the context of the rural development plan which is currently under discussion with the commission.
