174 Mr. Hyland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will request the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Franz Fischler, to reconsider his decision to refuse area aid in respect of peas for mechanical dehydration which does not include vining peas sold fresh, frozen or processed, in view of the fact that the Commission's refusal is having a detrimental effect on pea production and will lead to job losses in processing and production; and if he will bring Ireland's unique position in this regard to the attention of the Commissioner. [10713/95]

Area aid under the EU arable support system is confined in the case of peas to those which are harvested in a dry state. Vining peas, which are harvested at a green stage, are not eligible for area aid. I made a submission to Commissioner Fischler earlier this year seeking the inclusion of vining peas in the aid system. Representations were also made to the Commission at official level and the question of the inclusion of peas which were mechanically dehydrated after harvesting was raised.