Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Jan 1995

Vol. 447 No. 11

Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Areas.

James Leonard

Question:

258 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the date the recommendations of the disadvantaged areas appeals panel for reclassification of areas as more severely handicapped was sent to Brussels. [1290/95]

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

259 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when a decision will be made about the extension of the more severely handicapped areas; if his attention has been drawn to the concern of farmers in the affected areas that such an announcement be made before May 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1376/95]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 259 together.

The recommendations of the Disadvantaged Areas Appeals Panel for the reclassification to more severely handicapped areas were submitted formally to the EU Commission on 3 October 1994. I expect the Commission to publish the results as soon as it has completed its examination of the proposals and I am aware of the farmers' concerns in this regard. However, it is not possible to say when the Commission, which is of course, also considering our earlier submission on the extension of the disadvantaged areas, will have finalised its examination. I expect that both applications will be dealt with expeditiously and constructively by the Commission and I will be using all the influence I have to ensure that this is so.