Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 March 2023
367. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 782 of 31 January 2023, if his Department has sought clarity from the European Commission as to if the revised State aid rules allow for the provision of afforestation grants and premiums to Coillte; the expected timeline in which he expects a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12115/23]
View answer368. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is intended that his application for State aid exemption for the incoming forestry programme will include indications that his Department intends to provide afforestation grants and premiums to Coillte; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12116/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 367 and 368 together.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department is currently seeking legal advice on the matter and will engage further with the Commission on receipt of this advice. Clarity will then be sought on specific scenarios and details of possible claimants under this Programme. This includes the possibility for Coillte to be a direct beneficiary of forestry premiums under the Programme.
