Billy Timmins
Ceist:79 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he can confirm that disadvantaged status will not be extended to all of the BMW region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9298/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 24 March 2004
Ceisteanna (79)
Freagraí scríofa
Officials of my Department have raised the issue of extension of disadvantaged areas status to the entire BMW region at several meetings with the European Commission, most recently on 9 December last.
In those meetings Commission officials have warned strongly that any formal request for further classification of my area could lead to a demand for justification of Ireland's current designation and classification for all disadvantaged areas. The Commission's approach has its basis in negative comments by the Court of Auditors concerning the monitoring of disadvantaged areas classification and designation in the EU in general.
Given that background, it is important that the timing and nature of any submission requesting extension of the disadvantaged areas be given very careful consideration.