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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 2

Written Answers. - Afforestation Programme.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

168 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if the European Commission is investigating alleged irregularities in forestry measures implemented here; the nature of such irregularities; when they occurred; the way in which and when they were discovered; and the way in which and when they were brought to the attention of the Commission. [26349/01]

I take it the Deputy is referring to irregularities as defined by European Council Regulation 2988/95. I am aware of a possible irregularity relating to the provision of funding under the harvesting sub-measure of the Operational Programme for Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry, OPARDF, 1994-1999. The alleged irregularity was discovered by my Department in February 2000. The Department of Finance was notified in May 2000 and advised the European Commission of the alleged irregularity in June 2000. Payment of grant assistance was suspended pending further inquiries. Such inquiries are continuing. I have no knowledge of any other alleged irregularities.

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