Vol. 576 No. 3
90 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the recent judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland arising from Coillte Teoranta's taking of funding intended to compensate farmers for their loss of income incurred during the non-productive period of afforested agricultural land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29548/03]
I am aware of the recent judgment of the European Court of Justice. The matter is being considered in consultation with the Department's legal advisers.
91 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount of money which has been borrowed to date by Coillte Teoranta in anticipation of receiving premiums intended to compensate farmers for their loss of income incurred during the non-productive period of afforested agricultural land and to which the European Court of Justice has recently ruled Coillte Teoranta is not entitled. [29549/03]
92 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if Coillte Teoranta borrowed £24 million in anticipation of receiving premiums between 1993 and 1998 intended to compensate farmers for their loss of income incurred during the non-productive period of afforested agricultural land. [29550/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 92 together.
The premium payments to which the Deputy refers, which were provided for under European Council Regulation 2080/92, were available to both farmers and non-farmers. Lower maximum rates applied in the case of non-farmers. Non-farmers are defined in the regulation as any other private, natural or legal person. During the period 1993-1999 Coillte acquired land for planting. Some of this was funded by way of borrowings.
