Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 5

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Michael Bell

Question:

127 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if the amount of payment made to Coillte Teoranta for premium payments between 1994 and 1999 was £8.8 million; if the EU has informed his Department that the proposed claw-back of sums paid by the Commission for 1997-98 is £3.7 million and £2.1 million for 1999; his views on the likelihood that the balance of £30.8 million, due to Coillte Teoranta from 1999 to 2013, will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14629/01]

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

The total amount of forestry premium payments made to Coillte Teoranta in the period 1994 to 1999 was £8.942 million.

The European Commission decided, on 5 July 2000, to disallow Community financing totalling £3.8 million, representing the Community portion – 75% – of forestry premium payments made to Coillte Teoranta in respect of the period 1996-98. Ireland has lodged a challenge to the Commission's decision with the European Court of Justice. I am advised that the case is sub judice and it would therefore not be appropriate for me to discuss it further.