Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Jim Higgins

Question:

189 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will extend the payment of increased grants and premia under the CAP rural development plan, 2000-06, to farmers who planted their lands before 1 October 1999. [1388/01]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

191 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will consider the livelihood of farmers who have invested in forestry and allocate grants and premia to those who planted prior to 1999 under the CAP rural development plan, 2000-06; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1500/01]

Phil Hogan

Question:

195 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when the necessary changes will be made to increase the premia paid to farmers in respect of afforestation and works carried out pre-October 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1649/01]

John Perry

Question:

196 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when the forestry compensation allowance payment will be made to persons who submitted applications in 1999; the reason payment has not been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1684/01]

Michael Finucane

Question:

203 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if, following the increased afforestation grants and premiums announced in February 2000, he will pay the enhanced premiums to farmers who planted pre-October 1999 and ensure these premium rates are paid to farmers for the remainder of the years that they are entitled to these premiums. [1860/01]

Denis Naughten

Question:

209 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will reconsider the decision not to grant farmers who planted forestry prior to October 1999 the same level of premiums as those who planted forestry post-October 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2438/01]

Michael Ring

Question:

210 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans he has to ensure all those in receipt of forestry premium are paid at the same rate per acre. [2441/01]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 189, 191, 195, 196, 203, 209 and 210 together.

Following discussions with the European Commission, the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, announced in March last significant increases, averaging 30%, in the rates of annual forest premium for those planting from 1 October 1999. Despite protracted negotiations, however, the European Commission refused to agree to similar increases for those who planted before that date. I am now considering possible funding from the Exchequer for those affected. The estimated annual cost is approximately £3.4 million.

Question No. 190 answered with Question No. 181.

Question No. 191 answered with Question No. 189.