Vol. 558 No. 3
81 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has been in touch with the European Commission to extend disadvantaged areas; if so, the areas in which and the position of same; if representations have been made to him by persons (details supplied) on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24134/02]
The Government is committed under the programme for Government, to examine in conjunction with the European Commission the possibility of extending the disadvantaged areas classification to the whole Border, midlands and western region as part of the mid-term review of the CAP rural development plan and is concerned to ensure that a re-opening of the debate would not lead to a wider review of disadvantaged areas. This matter will be raised with the European Commission in the context of the review of the CAP rural development plan. There is no record in my Department of any representations on this matter from a serving Minister or Minister of State
