Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

That issue does not arise at this stage. What is currently under way is an examination of the criteria for judging the areas to be included. Having closely examined them I am of the view that, assuming we can succeed in having the climatic and soil conditions which apply in Ireland kept to the forefront, the outcome will be advantageous for Ireland. This review is an attempt to ensure similar criteria are in operation throughout the European Union. In the case of Ireland, issues such as climate, rainfall levels, wet-weather logging of soil and the lack of accessibility for long periods of the year make farming conditions particularly challenging. The review process is examining the criteria that ought to apply to the disadvantaged area scheme with the objective of ensuring they are more evenly applied across the entire Community. From our perspective, there are considerable advantages in this process.

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