The Minister indicated that he resubmitted an application to Europe to increase the size of the disadvantaged areas. Can the Minister tell us whether he has submitted that application? The Minister has asked for an increase in the level of grants which will be made available. Instead of recouping 50 per cent of the amount of money which we spend, the Minister is looking to recoup 70 per cent. Does the Minister not think this will interfere with the application and that it will result in it being left on the bench for quite some time because the Commission will not adhere to that proposal? Secondly, the Minister indicated that there has been an increase in the level of grants payable this year over last year. Even though we give credit where credit is due, I hope the Minister will not come into this House and take credit for the excellent work which was done by the previous Minister in this area.

I hope that nothing I have said today or on any other occasion made any comment on my predecessor whose efforts I have always recognised. At the same time, I have to rely on the facts. In regard to the rate of application, I have looked for an increased recoupment of 70 per cent which I think is a matter of great importance.

Has the Minister excluded dairy cows?

Because of my success in obtaining an increase in the level of recoupment in the western package to 70 per cent I am confident that will now be followed in turn by an increase to 70 per cent in the disadvantaged areas. That said, I cannot anticipate the result but I am satisfied that having succeeded in the first leg with the Commission I will also succeed in the second leg.

Will it delay the process?

The Deputy should support us in our efforts to get extra money.

You have put it on the back burner.

Are dairy cows excluded in the new application?

I am not prepared to make any comment until the scheme has been completed.

You must be sure one way or another——

A question, Deputy.

Will the Minister give an indication that he is prepared to extend the payment of the suckler cow grant to include dairy herds, given that there has been a sharp decline in cattle numbers in this country, particularly to farmers who have filled their quota?

I have answered that question.

I am calling Deputy McCoy.

We may take it then that the Minister has no intention of doing this and that he is considering excluding the dairy herd in his application. That is an amazing turnabout.

I have called Deputy McCoy.