Michael Creed
Ceist:91 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the introduction of a third tier of disadvantaged areas. [14699/98]
Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Areas.
The proposed establishment of a new category of extremely disadvantaged areas in Ireland has been formally with the EU Commission since 9 October 1996.
The Commission raised the issues of conservation and overgrazing in connection with the REPS and national heritage areas. They were concerned to ensure that proposals affecting the extent and classification of land in the disadvantaged areas did not have an adverse effect on areas being targetted by the REPS and NHA's as requiring special attention. In this regard, the Commission made it clear that discussions relating to overgrazing and conservation had to be concluded before proposals affecting disadvantaged areas could be considered.
As part of the Agenda 2000 negotiations, discussions have commenced on the future funding of Structural Fund support measures, including headage. The question of a new category of extremely disadvantaged areas will be examined in the context of these discussions.