asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will extend the benefits of the western package to the Slieve Phelim area which was classified as severely handicapped under the recent review of the disadvantaged areas.
Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Area.
172.
Council Regulation (EEC) No. 1820/80 stipulates that the special measures for the development of agriculture will apply to the less favoured areas of the western region of Ireland within the meaning of Directive 75/272/EEC. A recent Commission decision classified the Slieve Phelim area as disadvantaged but the area does not form part of the western region within the meaning of Directive 75/272/EEC. Consequently the benefits of the western package cannot be applied to the Slieve Phelim area.