Vol. 529 No. 4
115 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if a decision has been made to have the increased forest premium paid to persons who had applied under the old scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2905/01]
Following discussions with the European Commission, the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, announced in March last significant increases, averaging 30%, in the rates of annual forest premium for those planting from 1 October 1999. However, despite protracted negotiations, the European Commission refused to agree to similar increases for those who planted before that date. I am now considering possible funding from the Exchequer for those affected. The estimated annual cost at present is approx. £3.4 million.
116 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will arrange payment of forestry premium to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [2921/01]
An application from the person in question in respect of this years forestry premium is currently being processed. Payment will be made as soon as possible.
117 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when an application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for tonnage for his currach will be approved; and if any decision from the EU has issued regarding tonnage. [2927/01]
A special scheme was introduced some years ago, with EU approval, to regularise the position of small fishing vessels which, although part of the fleet, had not been formally licensed or registered. The closing date for receipt of applications under the scheme was 17 February, 1995. My Department has no record of receiving any correspondence from the person in question prior to June, 1997. It is not possible, therefore, to consider his boat for licensing under the special scheme. Licensing of the vessel will, therefore, have to be addressed in accordance with the normal conditions and requirements of licensing policy, including the removal of capacity from the Sea Fishing Boat Register. A for a further scheme for unregistered small fishing vessels if demonstrably warranted would require EU approval. My Department is examining the objective necessity for pursuing the case for a further scheme with the European Commission, in the context of the overall circumstances of the inshore fisheries sector, as well as the implications for overall fleet management policy.
118 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when an application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for tonnage for his currach will be approved; and if any decision from the EU has issued regarding tonnage. [2928/01]
A special scheme was introduced some years ago, with EU approval, to regularise the position of small fishing vessels which, although part of the fleet, had not been formally licensed or registered. The closing date for receipt of applications under the scheme was 17 February, 1995. My Department has no record of receiving any correspondence from the person in question prior to June, 1997. It is not possible, therefore, to consider his boat for licensing under the special scheme. Licensing of the vessel will, therefore, have to be addressed in accordance with the normal conditions and requirements of licensing policy, including the removal of capacity from the Sea Fishing Boat Register. A for a further scheme for unregistered small fishing vessels if demonstrably warranted would require EU approval. My Department is examining the objective necessity for pursuing the case for a further scheme with the European Commission, in the context of the overall circumstances of the inshore fisheries sector, as well as the implications for overall fleet management policy.
