Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 288: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action the Government proposes to take in order to counteract changes proposed in EU grant aid for the forestry sector. [16955/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The issues raised by the Deputy relate to the forestry elements contained in the draft rural development regulation 2007-2013, first published by the European Commission in July 2004 and which is the subject of ongoing negotiations in the Council of Ministers.

From the outset, the Irish position on the draft regulation in general, including the specific aspects related to forestry, has been clear. On these forestry aspects, I have pointed to the negative impacts that the proposals would have on the sector, particularly those relating to reduced establishment grants, premiums and associated premium payments periods. Negotiations on the Commission proposals are continuing within the Agriculture Council and, as they progress, I will be pressing for the best possible outcome for Ireland on the package as a whole, including a satisfactory outcome on forestry issues.