Vol. 516 No. 5
143 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the situation regarding eligibility for the recently announced improved forestry premia; and if these premia will be available to those already in receipt of forestry premia. [8498/00]
The application for higher forestry incentives submitted to the European Commission by the Irish Administration last August proposed increased premium levels for those who planted under Council Regulation 2080/92 as well as for those proposing to plant in the current season. However, because of the protracted nature of the discussions with the Commission, I decided that the primary focus must be on securing increases which would have an impact on planting in the current season. The substantial increases announced by me on 6 March achieved that objective.
As I indicated on that occasion, it is the intention now to pursue the question of adequate increases for those who planted in earlier years. The matter is listed for discussion with Commissioner Fischler next week and will then be pursued at official level. I will remain in close contact with developments.
144 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if grant aid has been allocated to a company (details supplied) for the purchase of the Caragh River, County Kerry; if so, the date and amount in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8529/00]
I am advised by the Central Fisheries Board that the company referred to by the Deputy submitted a project proposal under the tourism angling measure of the Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-99.
Decisions regarding the funding of projects under the TAM are a matter for the TAM management committee having regard to the criteria applicable to the measure and in light of the available funding. Day-to-day administration of TAM is carried out by the TAM unit in the Central Fisheries Board.
The central board informs me that on 17 June 1999 the TAM management committee approved European Regional Development Fund grant aid up to a maximum of £50,000 for the acquisition of the fishing rights on the non-tidal section of the lower Caragh River and the project promoters accepted a letter of offer in December 1999. The rate of grant aid approved was 20% of the total eligible expenditure.
