Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 560: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if there have been any changes to the disadvantaged area classification status in any part of County Monaghan; if so, the number of farmers and townlands or acres affected by such changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22603/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The EU Commission recently approved the case made by Ireland for reclassifying all the less severely handicapped townlands of County Monaghan to more severely handicapped status. There were 322 townlands affected by this reclassification. The area involved is more than 12,000 hectares or 29,600 acres and 750 farmers will benefit from this reclassification.

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 561: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she intends to reclassify any parts of counties Laois and Offaly under the disadvantaged area aid scheme, as promised under the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22604/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Council of Agriculture Ministers agreed, at its meeting in Luxembourg on 20 June 2005, a new framework for rural development for the period 2007 to 2013. The agreement provides for the maintenance of the existing arrangements for the less favoured areas until 2010. In the meantime, the Commission will present a report and proposals to the European Council concerning the future payment system and designation of less favoured areas. Any changes to the less favoured areas scheme will be considered in the context of this report.