I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 52, 56, 59, 76, 79, 80, 205 and 219 together.
The disadvantaged areas appeals panel has recently completed its analysis of data from the survey of areas seeking inclusion in the disadvantaged areas. The results of the analysis are being verified on the computer in my Department and maps of the areas are being prepared. When this is completed the panel will present its formal recommendations to me. I will submit these without delay to the Government and, when the Cabinet has approved them, to the EC Commission. The Commission will in turn examine the submission and if, as is likely, the area being proposed for extension is more than 1.5 per cent of the land area of the country, the final decision will rest with the Council of Agriculture Ministers which will make its decision on a proposal from Commission.
I expect to receive the panel's recommendations during the next month. Discussion of the recommendations prior to submission to the Commission would not be appropriate.
The next part of the panel's assignment is the examination of areas under appeal for reclassification. Under current rules, in order to be considered for reclassification from less to more severely handicapped, an area must be homogeneous, have less than 40 per cent of the national average family farm income per farm worker and have more than 40 per cent of the working population engaged in farming. Following the commitment given in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress my Department has consulted with the farming organisations on revising the criteria for reclassification. Among the changes in the criteria I am proposing is an increase in the income threshold from 40 per cent to 60 per cent and the inclusion of district electoral divisions which fail marginally on the revised income criterion but which have a low land classification provided they are contiguous to existing more severely handicapped areas. In addition, non-contiguous areas of minimum size block of 15,000 hectares will be considered.
These revisions will enable many marginal areas to be included while maintaining a reasonable modulation between the other categories of disadvantaged area. I will be conveying the details of the package shortly to the appeal panel which will then carry out its analysis of the area under appeal on the basis of the revised criteria using existing data. It will not be necessary for the panel to carry out another survey of areas under appeal.
Details on the proposal for a third category of disadvantaged area are being drawn up in my Department at present and ongoing discussions between my Department, the EC Commission and the farming organisations are taking place with a view to defining boundaries. I would expect the relevant criteria to result in mountainous and sparsely populated areas on the western seaboard and islands being classified in the third category.