Vol. 464 No. 2
17 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the progress, if any, that has been made in finalising the criteria for designation of an area as very severely disadvantaged; the proposals, if any, that have been submitted to the European Commission; when this new designation will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7716/96]
125 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the district electoral divisions and townlands in County Cavan that will be submitted to the European Commission for designation as very severely disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7846/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 125 together.
The criteria by which areas will be selected for reclassification as extremely disadvantaged are being examined at present, and I expect a decision on specific criteria in the near future. Following on from this, the areas which meet the criteria will be selected and transmitted to the EU Commission.
As specific areas have not yet been selected, I cannot comment on which areas may be included in the proposal.
Given the necessary time which will be required for the Commission to make a decision, it will only be possible to introduce the third category in 1997.
