Pippa Hackett (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. It is not really a matter of the Department revising anything in relation to the state aid rules. We had to wait until 1 January when the guidelines had come into effect. It looks like public landowners may be able to avail as beneficiaries, without restrictions, of these state aids. Again, we are seeking legal advice on this issue. I understand the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine had a positive and thorough engagement with Coillte last Wednesday, where part of this was discussed. In that, it was highlighted that Coillte had engaged with the Commission in 2019 in relation to any issues around state aid. It was clearly told "No" at that stage. It is welcome now in 2023 that we might well be able to support Coillte to afforest.

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