Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2022
667. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has engaged with the EU Commission regarding the forestry programme that is due to commence in January 2023; if the Commission has expressed any concerns in relation to same; if State aid approval has been agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61800/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 requires State Aid to implement. Minister of State, Pippa Hackett met with Commissioners Virginijus Sinkevicius and Janusz Wojciechowski earlier this year to update them on Irish forestry, particularly the extensive public consultation undertaken on the Shared National Vision for Trees, Woods and Forests in Ireland until 2050 and the subsequent development of the new Forest Strategy and Forestry Programme.
The current State Aid Guidelines in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas are due to expire on 31 December 2022 and be replaced with a revised version expected in January 2023. A formal application for State Aid cannot be submitted until these revised guidelines are in place. My Department is engaged with the Commission, who have facilitated the submission of a pre-notification for this State Aid in November, ahead of the formal submission for January 2023.
The Department continues to engage bi-laterally with the relevant Directorate-Generals in the Commission in order to advance the State Aid approval.
