Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 23 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 5

Written Answers. - EU Forestry Grants.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

21 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when the appeal against the decision of the EU Commission regarding repayment of £6.5 million in forestry grants allegedly improperly paid to Coillte Teoranta will be heard by the European Court of Justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26934/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

I presume the Deputy is referring to the appeal, recently lodged by Ireland with the European Court of Justice, against the European Commission's decision to disallow forestry premium payments of £3.8 million to Coillte Teoranta. I am advised that European Court proceedings take approximately two years.