Vol. 520 No. 4
53 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will re-examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo in view of the restructuring of the afforestation scheme and in view of the fact that this person's 66 acres, which a bank will not accept as security for a loan, is deemed valueless due to a departmental decision. [16026/00]
I am aware of the circumstances of this case which relate to eligibility for premium in 1989 when a threshold applied to off-farm income. I am having the case re-examined and I will inform the Deputy of the outcome shortly.
54 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposals, if any, there are to increase afforestation premia payments in respect of land planted prior to October 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16111/00]
The application for higher forestry incentives submitted to the European Commission last year proposed increased premium levels for those who planted in previous years under Council Regulation 2080/92 as well as for those proposing to plant in the current season. Due to the protracted nature of the discussions with the Commission, it was decided that the primary initial focus would be on securing increases which would have an impact on planting in the current season. The substantial increases in grants and premiums announced by the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, on 6 March will help achieve that objective. The increased rates of grant and premium apply to all those who have planted since 1 October 1999.
I am now pursuing as a matter of priority the question of adequate premium increases for those who planted in earlier years. At a meeting with Commissioner Fischler on 28 March I stressed the importance I attach to this matter. A meeting has been fixed at official level with the Commission this week to advance the issue.
A meeting with Commission officials on this submission will be held shortly.
