Vol. 479 No. 3
135 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether any further additions will be made to the disadvantaged areas scheme in the future; and if he foresees any hope of an extension of the scheme in the medium or long-term. [13087/97]
The disadvantaged areas scheme began in 1975 with the designation of almost 58 per cent of the land area of the State as less favoured. Since then, there have been five reviews of the boundaries which were originally established.
As a result, by 1991 73 per cent of the country was designated. An independent appeals panel was then established to give farmers an opportunity to have their areas reassessed.
Using data derived from a survey of farmers in the appealed areas, the appeals panel recommended areas for designation as disadvantaged. Following negotiations with the EU Commission, I was pleased to announce in May 1996 that some 128,000 hectares had been approved for inclusion in the disadvantaged areas.
In view of the fact that this latest review involved a very comprehensive examination of areas for disadvantaged status, and increased the less favoured areas in Ireland to almost 75 per cent of the total land, I do not see any purpose in initiating a further review of disadvantaged areas in the foreseeable future.
136 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the status of the committee which included the Chairman of the IFA and the ICMSA which was reviewing the areas designated as disadvantaged; and if it still has the power to make recommendations to designate certain areas as disadvantaged within the tolerance limit laid down by the EU or if he or his Department have this discretion. [13088/97]
The disadvantaged areas appeals panel was set up in 1991 to assess areas for designation as disadvantaged or reclassification as more severely handicapped. Its task was to invite appeals from farmers or groups who felt that their areas had not been adequately assessed in the previous review, and to gather data from farmers which could be used as a measure of the stocking, income and tillage levels of the appealed areas.
The panel carried out a thorough examination of the data received, and recommended certain areas for designation as disadvantaged. The final meeting of the panel in May 1996 coincided with my announcement of the new areas which had been approved by the EU. As the panel had completed its task, it was then disbanded.
I have the power to initiate a further review of disadvantaged areas if I am satisfied that there is a requirement for such action.
