Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

In the budget last October, Fianna Fáil's mask slipped in respect of its continuing commitment to the disadvantaged areas scheme. There was a significant reduction in payments to farmers. I believe the word "review" is code for a reduction in further funding for the scheme. Is last October's budget the thin end of the wedge? What is the commitment of Fianna Fáil to the disadvantaged areas scheme as a policy instrument to retain the maximum number of people and farm families working on the land? Will the Minister publish and place in the Oireachtas Library all the documentation that has been the subject of negotiation with the Department on the criteria that have been published by the Commission? Doing so would provide clarity on what is informing the Government's position in these negotiations. Is it a financial issue or is it, as the Minister might want us to believe, based on the criteria outlined by the Commission? Will he place all the details about this matter in the Oireachtas Library?

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