asked the Minister for Agriculture if the Tullylease area of County Cork was included in the submissions made to Brussels for inclusion in the disadvantage area scheme; and, if not, why.

In the review of the boundaries of our disadvantaged areas carried out in 1978 the position in north Cork generally, including the Tullylease area, was very carefully considered in the light of the criteria for designation laid down in Council Directive 75/268/EEC, which is the basis of the disadvantaged areas schemes. The boundary adjustments that have eventuated from that review were the result of prolonged negotiotions at Brussels, and it was not found possible to arrange for any further extensions to be made in this area.

16.