Northern Ireland
Assembly

Paul Carlisle
Clerk to the Committee for
Agriculture and Rural Development
Parliament Buildings
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3XX

Joe Cassells
Departmental Assembly Liaison Officer
Department of Agriculture and
Rural Development
Room 509
Dundonald House
Belfast
BT4 3SB

18 February 2009

Dear Joe

COMMITTEE MEETING – 17 FEBRUARY 2009

I refer to the above.

The Committee expressed its grave concern following the statement from the Spokesperson to the Commissioner for Agriculture that the Farm Modernisation Programme was operating in breach of European Regulations.

The Committee for Agriculture for Rural Development has asked that the Minister and/or the Permanent Secretary appear before it at the meeting scheduled for 24 February 2009 to provide an explanation in respect of this matter. The Committee has also asked that the Department provide it with regular updates in respect of ongoing discussions with the European Commission in respect of this matter.

The Spokesperson to the Commissioner for Agriculture indicated that the European Commission had written to the Department approximately one year ago indicating that the “first come, first served” basis for receipt of applications and grants was in breach of regulations. The Committee would request that a copy of this letter, and any relevant response from the Department, is forwarded urgently to them.

Yours sincerely

Paul Carlisle
Clerk to the Committee for
Agriculture and Rural Development