Michael Creed
Question:97 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the current position regarding the reclassification of the disadvantaged areas.
Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.
Ivan Yates
Question:163 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the maximum extent of the reclassification of Disadvantaged Areas which the Government is likely to approve arising out of the current review.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 163 together.
The extent of the area to be proposed for reclassification is a matter for the Disadvantaged Areas Appeals Panel in the first instance. All disadvantaged areas were eligible to appeal to be reviewed for reclassification and appeals were received from two-thirds of these areas. When the panel completes its examination of the appeals it will make recommendations to my Department as to the areas to be reclassified. My Department will in turn examine the Panel's recommendations and seek Government approval to address a formal submission to the EC Commission in the matter. The final decision on the extent of the reclassification rests with the Commission.