asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will examine the reclassification system for farmers in the other high category who come up for reclassification and fail to get into the development category.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farmer Reclassification System.
43.
The system of reclassification to which the Deputy refers was introduced here in implementation of an amendment to the farm modernisation directive which was adopted by the EEC Council in June 1981. It is not open to me, therefore, to alter the system unilaterally.
The position of such farmers will, however, be examined in the context of a review of the directive which is due to be carried out next year.
Would the Minister agree that this classification should be completely re-examined? At present it militates against people who are being changed from "other high" to "other low". In the past the parents of some young farmers who are now in a position to develop their farms did not avail of the scheme. They are now classified as "other low" and receive a meagre grant aid.
The position of such farmers will be examined in the context of a review of the directive which is due to be carried out next year.