Coveney takes fine fight to EU agri boss
Mr Coveney has gone to the top of the EU chain of command “because of our total surprise” at the fine.
He said he is “very annoyed” about the fine. “We had a clear understanding with the European Commission that this would not happen, and we intend to fight this vigorously. I believe we will be successful.” He confirmed his department received a letter on May 14 from the Commission audit services indicating that it proposed to exclude €181 million from EU funding to Ireland in respect of the direct aid scheme years from 2008 to 2012, inclusive.
