Vol. 464 No. 4
113 Dr. Moffatt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry his views on the maps prepared under the area aid scheme by Teagasc and other private operators in County Mayo in 1995 in view of the problems that have arisen in 1996; and the plans, if any, he has to grant an extension of the expiry date to 31 May 1996 to enable farmers to submit revised maps. [8256/96]
115 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to extend the closing date for receipt of completed area aid applications in view of the current industrial action involving Department staff dealing with inquiries on this matter. [8322/96]
I am pleased to announce that in response to my request, the European Commission has now agreed to extend the closing date in Ireland for receipt of 1996 area aid applications to 15 May 1996, the last date allowed by the relevant EU regulations. This will allow farmers a further two weeks to complete their area aid applications.
I am not aware of any particular difficulties in relation to area aid maps prepared by Teagasc and private consultations in County Mayo.
