Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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There was an issue with state aid rules that stopped Coillte from doing it directly, as I understand it. That issue is not settled yet. From an answer the witnesses gave this morning, I understand the issue of state aid rules and funding of forestry is not yet settled at EU level. Was it not jumping the gun that this deal happened in the way it did? The public finds it unusual, as do I as a public representative, that the ISIF, which is public money, is now funding a project for an international investment fund, Gresham House. It will be competing with farmers. There will not be any competition because a farmer in Laois, Offaly, Leitrim or wherever else will simply not be able to compete as regards price per acre to buy land to plant.