Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)

Is it correct that most of the CLÁR areas were selected on the basis of population decline between 1926 and 1996, which was probably the last year for which census figures were available prior to the launch of the programme in 2001? Does the Minister agree many other rural areas that may not have experienced sustained population decline since 1926 are equally disadvantaged? As a result of job losses and other economic difficulties, a number of areas in my constituency should be as entitled to CLÁR funding as areas included in the programme. Will the Minister consider extending the qualifying criteria for the programme to include such areas? What is the future of the programme? Can the Minister guarantee this worthwhile scheme will continue? I have only one criticism: 'Sé an locht an laghad'.

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