Brian Cowen
Question:29 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when he will announce the extension and reclassification of the disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11199/95]
Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Areas.
The Irish Government made submissions to the EU Commission on the extension of the disadvantaged areas and reclassification of certain areas from less severely to more severely handicapped area status in November 1993 and October 1994 respectively. The Commission asked for clarification of some aspect of the submissions and for some additional information to assist in its examination of the proposals, and our response was transmitted to the Commission on 14 April 1995.
I met with Commissioner Fischler in February 1995 and again in May 1995 to stress the urgency of a decision on these submissions, and he assured me that he will attempt to secure a decision on both extension and reclassification in 1995, during the summer period if possible.
Officials of my Department will be meeting with Commission officials later this month to resolve any remaining difficulties with the proposals. The reclassification proposal can then be approved by the Commission. However, the extension proposal must also be approved by the Council of Ministers after consultation with the European Parliament, so it is not possible to say when an announcement of the new areas will be made.