asked the Minister for Agriculture when an extension to the boundaries of the disalvantaged areas scheme will be announced.
21.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.
20.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will recommend to the EEC that the designated areas of County Waterford be reclassified as disadvantaged areas in order that they be given the fullest possible opportunity for development.
22.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the proposals, if any, before the EEC to reclassify the designated areas of County Waterford as disadvantaged areas.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 21 and 22 together.
The Government's proposals for a review of the disadvantaged areas were submitted to the EEC Commission last February. Since then, detailed discussions were held on a number of occasions between officials of my Department and officials of the Commission and a substantial volume of supplementary information was supplied at the latter's request. Because of the complexity of the issue involved, it is likely to be some time before final decisions are arrived at, particularly if some aspects are referred to the Council of Ministers for decision. In the meantime I do not wish to prejudice the outcome by disclosing information in relation to any particular area.
Questions Nos. 23 and 24 postponed.