Jackie Healy-Rae
Ceist:55 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when he proposes to introduce the third tier in the disadvantaged areas. [10163/98]
Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Areas.
A submission to establish a new category of extremely disadvantaged areas in Ireland was formally presented to the EU Commission on 9 October 1996.
Subsequent to the submission, the Commission raised the issues of conservation and overgrazing in connection with the REPS and special areas of conservation. It is concerned to ensure that proposals affecting the extension and classification of land in the disadvantaged areas do not have an adverse effect on areas which are being targeted by the REPS and SACs as requiring special attention.
In this regard, the Commission made it clear that discussions relating to overgrazing and conservation must be concluded before proposals affecting disadvantaged areas would be examined. These discussions have now been finalised and are due to go to the EU Committee on Agricultural Structures for formal approval later this week. Following this, I will endeavour to ensure that the Commission begins its examination of the third tier proposal as soon as possible.