Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 16 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 4

Written Answers. - Reclassification Scheme.

Noel Treacy

Question:

67 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the de facto position pertaining to the reclassification of south-east Galway as severely handicapped; the reason for the delay in reaching this decision; when the application was lodged; the date on which the application was lodged with the European Commission; the exact areas for which reclassification has been sought, including the townlands and District Electoral Divisions; the number of herd owners in the relevant areas; the current status of the application; the date on which it was sanctioned; and the benefits to be gained for the farmers involved. [15851/95]

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

The proposal for reclassification of areas to more severely handicapped status, including all remaining areas of south-east Galway, was approved by the EU Commission on 27 October 1995, and a list of all reclassified areas was published.

This submission was lodged with the Commission in October 1994 and was discussed at various meetings in 1994 and 1995. The Commission decided in September 1995 to proceed with the approval of the submission, and it was passed at the meeting of the Agricultural Structures and Rural Development (STAR) Committee on 27 October.

In relation to County Galway, it is estimated that about 500 farmers will benefit from this reclassification, being eligible now for headage payments in respect of beef cows at a higher rate, and also for dairy cows and other cattle. An example would be a farmer with 40 beef cows. Previously he would be entitled to £2,250, whereas in the future his entitlement will increase to £3,360.

I have arranged for a list of townlands and district electoral divisions reclassified in Galway to be sent to the Deputy.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

68 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the reason Oghill, Castleblaney, County Monaghan, was not included in the more severely handicapped area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16796/95]

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

The townland of Oghill is actually in the district electoral division of Cremartin, and was reclassified as more severely handicapped in the 1991 review of disadvantaged areas.