asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has requested the Commission to reclassify the severely handicapped areas as hill areas; if so, the progress that has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Land Reclassification.
682.
The question of extending the status of mountain areas to certain disadvantaged areas in the west of Ireland under EEC Directive 75/268 has been the subject of specific representations to the EEC Commission. The Commission has not, however, come forward with a proposal in the matter for consideration by the Council of Ministers. I am continuing to press the Commission on the matter and the issue has been raised separately in the context of the present discussions in the Council on the Commission's new proposals on agricultural structures.