Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 393: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that only approximately 3% of the Border, midlands and western region is not included in the disadvantaged areas but that a significant portion of this is in Laois and Offaly; the steps she will take to address this in view of the fact that Laois and Offaly have a particularly low income per person rate here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26435/05]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 394: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress which has been made in extending disadvantaged area status to the remaining portions of County Offaly and Laois which have not been included; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26436/05]I

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 393 and 394 together.

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 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 review