Robert Molloy
Question:3 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the reason for the delay in completing the reclassification of disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disadvantaged Areas Reclassification.
The appeals panel commenced its work on reclassification of disadvantaged areas in November 1993. As provided for in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, the criteria for use in reclassifying areas from less-favoured to more severely handicapped status had been revised. It is on this basis that the appeals panel has been carrying out its work.
The appeals panel is now at an advanced stage of its work. Clarification was sought by it in respect of the interpretation of one of the criteria being used for reclassification. This clarification has been given by the Department and I hope this will permit the appeals panel to complete its analysis and to finalise its submission to me. After examination of this submission by my Department, I will submit a proposal for reclassification of disadvantaged areas to the European Commission at the earliest possible date.
I have already forwarded to the Commission, in November 1993, a submission on the extension of disadvantaged areas. Although some preliminary work has been done on the submission, it is unclear when the Commission services will be in a position to complete its examination. If the Commission accepts the submission, a detailed proposal will be made to the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers where a final decision will be taken after consultation with the European Parliament.
It is likely that the Commission will wish to examine the submissions on extension and reclassfication of disadvantaged areas together.
The process of approval for extension of areas, involving the Commission, Parliament and Council normally takes at least six months to complete. Details of the outcome will be made available at that time.
Is it not true that the appeals panel completed its consideration of the extension of the scheme in August 1993 which was forwarded to Brussels in November 1993? Was there any special reason for the delay and will payment be retrospective to the date of the submission? What exactly is the position in regard to payments, assuming that the Government proposal is accepted by the Commission?
The Deputy is correct in saying that the appeals panel concluded its examination in August last, the report was then considered by the Department and forwarded to the Government for submission to Brussels without amendment, in other words, all the areas submitted by the appeals panel were forwarded to Brussels.
The Minister has not referred to the question of payments arising from the extension of the scheme. Will retrospective payments arise from the delay?
That is a matter for the Government. The position is that we must await the Commission's decision in regard to clearing the submission, or part of it, for payment. I am not in a position to elaborate until I receive a communication from the European Commission to that effect.
Is the Minister satisified that the proposed extensions he submitted meet all the relevant criteria?
Yes, as far as the Department is concerned they meet the criteria and were submitted on that basis. The Commission usually raises various queries about them. It is a matter for the Department to respond to those queries but I am satisfied, as is my Department, that the submission meets the relevant criteria in so far as we interpret them.
Was the delay not exceptional?
I am calling Question No. 4.