Review of area designation and allocation
Deputy Deasy asked whether the interdepartmental group would reconsider the classification system and how much of Ireland’s severely disadvantaged-area allocation had been used. The Minister said the allocation had not been exceeded, though it was nearly exhausted, and that the Government would explore the possibilities.
The Minister in his reply referred to an inter-departmental group which met in 1978 and confirmed the system which was brought into use in 1975. Is this group going to meet again and, if so, how soon? In view of the statement which the Minister has just made, will he endeavour to get this group to change the system by which severely disadvantaged areas are chosen or classified? Also, what percentage of our allocation of severely disadvantaged areas have we used up? He referred to the fact that we might be exceeding that which is laid down by the Commission.
Comment on this
No. I do not have precise information but we have not exceeded the present allocation, as far as I understand it.
Comment on this
Can the Minister tell us if he will convene a meeting of the inter-departmental group?