Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 222: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she is taking to protect the disadvantaged areas here which are under threat from the current EU review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13535/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The EU Commission's proposal for the post-2006 rural development framework provides for the reclassification of disadvantaged areas. It responds to the European Court of Auditors' criticism, endorsed by the European Parliament, about the current system. The suggested new methodology would be based on natural conditions, notably soil and climatic factors. The socioeconomic criteria that were taken into account to designate the current eligible areas would no longer apply.

At meetings of the Council of Ministers, I have stressed that this is an extremely important and sensitive issue. Other member states have adopted a similar position. I will continue to seek a solution that is equitable and in Ireland's interests. As this stage, I cannot be definitive as to the shape of that solution since negotiations are still in progress.