Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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Question 33: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to achieve a better targeting of aid in the form of less favoured areas payments to farmers who work within areas that have been deemed disadvantaged due to agricultural handicaps (details supplied); if there are new criteria for designating LFA's; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27699/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In relation to the funding of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, in common with all areas of Government spending, a comprehensive review is currently being undertaken, with a view to achieving the best balance between the recognised benefits of the Scheme, while working within the unprecedented financial constraints in which the country currently finds itself.

In addition, there is an EU-wide Review, which was undertaken in response to the strong criticism expressed by the Court of Auditors of the procedures for the designation of intermediate Less Favoured Areas (LFAs) in the European Union. These criticisms were based on the number and variety of criteria used to designate intermediate LFAs (Member States have used more than 100 criteria) and the lack of transparency.

Member States were asked to map areas of natural handicap against new biophysical criteria and send their simulations to the Commission, after which a reformed scheme can be drawn up. Member States, including Ireland, have submitted the requested simulations. It is intended that any new LFA proposals proposed by the EU Commission will form part of the wider proposals on CAP post 2013, which are due to be published shortly.