Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
579. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has provided the European Commission with the information requested on 21 June 2023 regarding the State-aid application for new Forestry Programme; if he will advise when that information was or will be submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35499/23]
View answerI would like to assure the Deputy that the receipt of formal State Aid approval and the launch of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 is a matter of the utmost priority for my colleagues. My Department has engaged closely with the EU Commission, responding comprehensively to the many issues raised by the Commission. As you will be aware, a comprehensive and well-subscribed Forestry Programme has the potential to deliver lasting benefits for climate change, biodiversity, wood production, economic development and quality of life.
