Vol. 577 No. 4
61 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the Minister who will be responsible for forestry when it moves in 2004 to the Department of Agriculture and Food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31372/03]
The Government has decided to transfer, with effect from 1 January 2004, responsibility for forest policy and the forest service from my Department to the Department of Agriculture and Food. The Minister for Agriculture and Food will have responsibility for the area from that date. This decision has been taken in view of the need for co-ordinated policy making on forestry and other agricultural land uses, at national and EU levels. The necessary transfer of functions order will be made by the Minister for Finance.
62 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the implications for Coillte Teoranta of the decision of the European Court of Justice that only farmers were entitled to EU forestry grants; the total loss of revenue the company is likely to face as a result of the decision; the discussions he has had with the company on this matter; if the Exchequer will now make up the shortfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31278/03]
I advise the Deputy that the grants to which he refers were provided for under European Council regulation 2080/92, and were available to both farmers and non-farmers. Lower maximum rates applied in the case of non-farmers. Non-farmers are defined in the regulation as any other private, natural or legal person. Premium payments in the order of €38 million would have been payable to Coillte Teoranta in the period to 2013. The judgment of the European Court of Justice is being considered in consultation with the Department's legal advisers.
