asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state in respect of the West of Ireland and the district electoral divisions of Killeenavarra and Annaghdown, County Galway: (i) the forage acreage per livestock unit; (ii) the valuation per acre in pence; (iii) the percentage area ploughed; (iv) the index family farm income per permanent male farm worker; (v) the index total gross margin per acre farmed; (vi) the farmed area per permanent male farm worker; (vii) the crops and pasture per permanent male farm worker; (viii) the livestock units per permanent male farm worker; (ix) the dairy cows per permanent male farm worker; (x) the percentage of dairy cows; (xi) the population density per kilometre; (xii) the percentage population change in the period 1966 to 1979; if he will explain why Killeenavarra has not been included among the more severely handicapped areas along with Annaghdown; and if he will press for its inclusion in the future.
Written Answers. - County Galway Economic Data.
The only economic data on the lines sought by the Deputy which are available in my Department are now considerably out of date. The classification of areas as disadvantaged or as more severely handicapped was not, in any event, based solely on statistical data but also involved careful consideration of the topographical and other characteristics as ascertained by official inspection. Information on the agricultural situation in the area from local expert knowledge was also taken into account.
In the review of boundaries of the disadvantaged areas and of the more severely handicapped part of those areas which was carried out by the Government in 1978, the position in the district electoral division of Killeenavarra was most carefully considered. The boundary adjustments that were announced in mid-January were made only after protracted negotiations at Brussels, both at Council and Commission level, and it was not found possible to arrange that Killeenavarra should be reclassified as more severely handicapped. The position is being kept under review, however, and should circumstances so permit the classification of the area will be further considered.