asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if the entire area of County Donegal is included in the scheme submitted by the Government to the EEC for benefits to less favoured farm areas.
102.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.
101.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will make available a copy of his submissions to the EEC regarding the establishment of the disadvantaged areas scheme.
103.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if County Wicklow has been included in the list of submission made to the EEC in respect of the disadvantaged areas scheme.
104.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if County Clare has been included in the list of underdeveloped agricultural areas submitted to the EEC under the scheme for disadvantaged agricultural regions.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 to 104 together.
The question of the areas which might come within the scope of the directive on handicapped areas has been the subject of discussion with the EEC Commission at various times during the year. The latest proposals which were submitted to the Commission in October were framed in the light of opinions expressed by the Commission on our earlier suggestions.
The proposals submitted are still under discussion with the Commission and it would not, therefore, be appropriate for me to release details of them at this stage. I am particularly concerned not to prejudice consideration by the Commission or the decisions of the Council of Ministers when the matter comes before them in due course.
I can say, however, that the proposals submitted by us embraced the traditional 12 western counties as well as certain limited mountain and hill areas outside the west. It will be recognised that the degree of handicap varies considerably within these areas and that in accordance with the terms of the directive it will be necessary that the type and levels of aids to be applied should reflect this variation.
Did I not understand the Minister to state in this House some few days ago that, if we put down particular questions about areas, he would reveal the submission to us?
That is true. I have no objection at all but I am advised very strongly by the people involved in the negotiations at committee level in Brussels that it would be unwise, that it would not help, in fact, that it would harm our negotiations to reveal details of the submissions made to them. Deputies have a broad outline of what was done.
Would the Minister give confidential information to Deputies about the areas involved?
If that were done, there would be no possibility of withholding it. I think the Deputy will agree on that.
Is the Minister aware that farming organisations, especially those in Cavan/Monaghan, who held a meeting last week to discuss and submit projects under the regional development scheme, are very concerned as to whether or not the Cavan/Monaghan area will be included in the underdeveloped areas? Would the Minister give those farming organisations confidential information.
I am afraid not. I think we would do harm were we to do that. I can appreciate the concern of the people mentioned by the Deputy. As far as I am concerned, when it is known, I am going to get a certain amount of talk across the House.
Those bodies have asked Deputy Wilson and I to explain to them the regional development scheme. Would the Minister agree that with the very scanty knowledge and information available to us, it is very difficult for us to explain to them something which appears to be merely a myth at present?
All that Deputies can say to them at present is that they can be reassured that the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries is doing everything possible to assist them.
And that Cavan/ Monaghan will be included in the underdeveloped areas?
Is there any Lodge we could join where we would get this information?
How soon would the Minister expect to have some decision on this?
I am hoping that the Commission may have proposals before the Council of Ministers in February. Perhaps they might even emerge in January. That is as good as I have it. I cannot be certain of that but I am very hopeful that it will come in early in 1975.
The scheme itself?
Yes.