Dan Neville
Ceist:102 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will review the grants for forestry projects to enable those participating to have a reasonable income from their investment. [5929/01]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
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 approximately £3.4 million.