I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 137 together.
The EU Commission decided in July 2000 to disallow forestry premia paid to Coillte Teoranta under Regulation 2080/92 on the basis that Coillte was a public entity and as such not entitled to premia. The Government opposed this view and the decision was challenged in the European Court. The court ruled against Ireland on 16 October 2003. The matter has been discussed in detail with the Government's legal advisors and the Department has been advised there is no recourse to further appeal and the decision has been accepted.
The Commission's contribution to the disallowed premia has been repaid and no further premia are payable to Coillte. My Department has been in discussions recently with Coillte on the effect of the court's decision and these discussions are continuing.