Vol. 557 No. 6
147 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way in which he first learnt that the European Commission is investigating allegations of inequalities in forestry measures implemented here; and the action he then took. [23161/02]
My Department first learned of the European Commission's interest in the matter referred to on receipt of a letter from the Commission dated 28 June 2000. An investigation by an independent company of accountancy consultants engaged by my Department had already taken place in 1999 and had found that there had been no case of suspected irregularity, as defined by European Council Regulations 2988/95. The Commission was made aware of the contents of the report and my Department has responded to any issues raised by the Commission.
