asked the Minister for the Environment if the abolition of the agricultural grant for farmers over £40 PLV means that farmers so affected in County Mayo now pay the highest rates in Ireland being £17.46 in the £PLV as against a national average of £12.10; and if, in view of the fact that this area is a recognised disadvantaged area under EEC regulations he will either (i) restore the agricultural grant forthwith or (ii) introduce a more equitable system of assessment thus creating a more favourable climate for western farmers to maintain their present progress and expansion programmes.
175.