Brendan Kenneally (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Question 2: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a fairer deal will be negotiated for the importation of stones from Northern Ireland and the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23400/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The question appears to relate to the Aggregates Levy which is in operation in the United Kingdom. I understand that the levy was introduced for environmental purposes and is applicable to the extraction of virgin aggregate in the United Kingdom and to imported virgin aggregate on its first use or sale in the United Kingdom. I understand further that in 2004 the European Commission decided that a modified exemption to the Aggregates Levy in Northern Ireland was compatible with state aid rules in the EC Treaty.