I propose to take Questions Nos. 615 to 620, inclusive, together on the basis that they refer to issues arising in Special Report No. 9 of the European Court of Auditors concerning forestry measures within the European Union's rural development policy.
This report examines the implementation of the various EU forestry measures across all the member states, not only Ireland, and will be considered by the relevant committee in Brussels in that context. It does not fall to individual member states to respond.
With regard to the issues raised by the Deputy, sustainable forestry is the cornerstone of my Department's strategy for the sector. Ireland has been to the fore in implementing these principles.
On the question of premiums, I am satisfied that the rate paid is fully justified. Only applicants who fulfil the agreed eligibility requirements as farmers are paid the farmer rate of premium.
On controls, this area is kept under constant review and it is always possible to improve any system of controls. The current system is being fully examined in the context of the new IFORIS information technology programme to be introduced later this year.
On supplying a copy of relevant correspondence between the Irish authorities and the European Court of Auditors, this correspondence is of a confidential nature. It relates to the preliminary views of the court on a number of named individual cases, along with the responses of the Irish authorities in each instance. The court has drawn attention to the importance of respecting the confidentiality of this exchange. It is not, therefore, appropriate to provide this private correspondence relating to named individual cases.