asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the prospects of having the townlands of Carrick, Crott, Dromard and Firmullagh in North Longford and the parish of Ardagh in South Longford included in the list of severely handicapped areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Longford Handicapped Areas.
18.
As I indicated in the course of my reply to a similar question on 26th January, while the areas in question are, of course, included in the disadvantaged areas they were not included in the additional areas designated as most severely handicapped following the recent review carried out by my Department in conjunction with the services of the EEC Commission. The relevant EEC directive requires that aid must be varied in accordance with the degree of handicap and cattle headage payments are made only in those areas which are most severely handicapped. In the course of the recent review detailed studies were made of the available economic data coupled with on-thespot inspection and consultation with local interests. I am satisfied that this review identified all the district electoral divisions that warrant designtion as most severely handicapped and that it would not be possible to persuade the Commission that any further addition should be made to either the disadvantaged areas or the severely handicapped areas at the present time.
However, farmers in the district electoral divisions named do qualify for special assistance by way of higher payments on beef cows and sheep together with higher grants under the farm modernisation scheme and aids for hill pasture improvement, crafts and tourism.
I am surprised to hear the Minister, who knows a bit about farming, saying he is satisfied all the areas which should be included are included. If he comes down to my county some day I will show him some of the areas which are not included.
I cannot permit a widening of this question which relates to County Longford only.
I do not want to ask any more questions about it. I am fed up asking about it.