Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Land-owners who planted their land under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Schemes make an application annually for a forestry premium. 13,946 applicants applied to my Department for a 2017 forestry premium.  Of this number, 13,749 applicants have been paid and 197 have not yet been paid. 

There are various reasons why premiums may not have yet been paid.  These would include awaiting confirmation of the applicant’s tax clearance status, a requirement for forest remedial works to be carried out or the application being received in late 2017 and currently being processed.