Donal Moynihan
Ceist:38 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the present position regarding the proposal to extend and reclassify the disadvantaged areas in Ireland which has been subject to delays in Europe. [7550/95]
Written Answers. - Reclassification of Disadvantaged Areas.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:192 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the present position on Ireland's application for disadvantaged area status; the position regarding classification for severely handicapped; the names of all townlands submitted to Brussels in all categories; and the reason for the delay in this matter. [7705/95]
James Leonard
Ceist:201 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when he will announce the result of the reclassification review under disadvantaged areas schemes. [8639/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 192 and 201 together.
The Irish Government made submissions to the EU Commission on the extension of the disadvantaged areas and reclassification of certain areas from less severely to more severely handicapped area status in November 1993 and October 1994 respectively. The Commission asked for clarification of some aspect of the submissions and for some additional information to assist in its examination of the proposals, and our response was transmitted to the Commission on 14 April 1995. I met with Commissioner Fischler in February 1995 to stress the urgency of a decision on these submissions, and he assured me that he will attempt to secure a decision on both extension and reclassification during the first half of 1995. I will be taking the opportunity to have further detailed discussions with Commissioner Fischler when he visits Ireland next week.
I cannot comment on the contents of the proposals while they are under consideration by the Commission. Once a decision has been reached, I will then have the successful townlands published without delay.