asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the marginal areas in County Galway which were under study for inclusion under the headage payments disadvantaged areas scheme; and the additional areas in County Galway which will be included for 1976.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.
11.
Mr. Kitt
As the Deputy is aware, representations were received from many districts throughout the disadvantaged areas seeking designation as severely handicapped for purposes of payment of livestock headage grants under the relevant EEC directive. The detailed review which has been carried out by my Department took into account the situation throughout the country, including that in County Galway, and has confirmed that the boundaries generally are broadly correct and that only marginal adjustments in a few areas would be warranted. Proposals for changes are now being formulated and will be submitted to the EEC Commission in the near future.
Did the Parliamentary Secretary say only marginal adjustments in County Galway?
That is correct.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary know the distance from the northern boundary of Mayo to Gurteen and from the southern boundary at Clare, if it is only marginal——
A question please, Deputy.
I have always held the view that the 12 western counties should be in the designated areas.
Order please, Deputy. At Question Time the Deputy must ask a question.
All Donegal is in the designated area and there is no land like the Lagan Valley.
The Deputy is making a speech. Question No. 12.
There are certain criteria laid down by the EEC for severely handicapped areas.
As I informed the Deputy, Galway has been examined and the adjustment, if any, will be only marginal.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not consider it unfair that these areas are not designated as headage payment areas?
There is a difference between disadvantaged areas and severely disadvantaged areas. The 12 western counties are dealt with reasonably and fairly. It is not possible to include these areas and at the same time keep within the criteria laid down by the Commission.