Vol. 547 No. 3
193 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the amount of grant aid payments made between 1991-99 and under the new sub-programme from 1999 to date in 2002 to a company (details supplied) in County Cork; if he has satisfied himself that this grant was put to the efficient use of developing and assisting the members of this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3606/02]
The aid paid by my Department to the company in question in the period 1991-99 amounted to €373,184. This aid was paid under EU regulations 1035/72 and 1360/78, which include provisions for assisting the formation and operation of recognised producer organisations marketing fresh fruit and vegetables and potatoes. I am satisfied that the aid was granted in accordance with the provisions of the regulations.
The company did not apply for aid under the horticulture or potato sub-measures of the regional operational programme of the National Development Plan 2000-2006.
