I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 to 65, inclusive, together.
A review of the boundaries of the disadvantaged areas, including the boundaries of the more severely handicapped parts of those areas, is at present being undertaken by my Department. This is the third national review conducted here since the basic Council Directive in the matter was adopted in 1975. This review will cover a large number of different areas of the country including the localities mentioned in the questions. For the purposes of this review it has been decided that consideration should be given to townlands or to groups of townlands rather than entire district electoral divisions, as had been the practice heretofore. The Minister and the Minister of State in my Department have in recent months met deputations from many parts of the country as part of the review process. The review will be completed as quickly as possible but, in view of the substantial amount of detailed field work involved, it is not expected that the results will be ready before early 1983. The position will then have to be considered by the Government before a submission is made to the EEC authorities for any boundary changes which may be deemed to be warranted. I have no means of knowing when a final decision in this matter will be taken by the EEC authorities.