Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 19: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans regarding the disadvantaged areas scheme; if he has submitted a proposal to the EU as part of his Department's submission regarding the rural development programme as per his statement on 8 July 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43585/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Disadvantaged Areas Scheme forms part of Ireland's Rural Development Programme 2007 to 2013 (RDP) and it is intended that this scheme will run for the duration of the Programme.

A proposal to revise the RDP to include modulation funds and funds under the European Economic Recovery Package was submitted to the European Commission last July. The revised Programme includes proposed new investment measures and a new agri environment measure, together with proposals for financing the Programme. The exchequer funding element of this will be delivered in the annual estimates and budgetary process. Negotiations are ongoing with the Commission as regards these changes and this process is due to be finalised by mid December.