Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:141 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will consider approving a 30% increase in forestry premiums. [12474/01]
Written Answers - Grant Payments.
Following discussions with the European Commission, the Minister of State at the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Hugh Byrne, announced in March 2000 significant increases averaging 30% in the rates of annual forest premium for those planting from 1 October 1999.
However, as indicated in replies to previous parliamentary questions on this issue, the European Commission has, despite protracted negotiations, refused to agree to co-fund similar increases for those who planted before that date.