Written answers

Wednesday, 4 May 2005

Department of Agriculture and Food

Forestry Sector

9:00 pm

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the report from the EU Court of Auditors regarding the way in which forestry grants were awarded here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14172/05]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy is referring to special report No. 9 of the European Court of Auditors concerning forestry measures within the EU's rural development policy. This report examines the implementation of the various EU forestry measures across all the member states, not just Ireland. It covers a very wide range of issues, many of which are questions which relate to EU policy in this area.

In relation to Ireland, a number of specific issues were raised following the court's visit here and the Irish authorities responded in full to each of these. In general, I am very happy with the manner in which the schemes operate in Ireland where particular emphasis is placed on the principle of sustainable forestry and controls. However, there is always room for improvement and my Department keeps the implementation of the schemes under constant review. The new IFORIS computer system to be introduced later this year will improve both the efficiency with which applications are handled and the manner in which controls are implemented.

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