Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 5

Written Answers. - EU Funding.

Enda Kenny

Question:

169 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if he will give details of his recent discussions with Commissioner Wulf-Mathies in relation to Objective I status and, in particular, Objective I status for the western region, the Border counties and the midlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10620/98]

Enda Kenny

Question:

170 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance whether the Government considers that Ireland will qualify for Objective I status; the way in which he proposes to have regions in Ireland, currently below average EU GDP levels, enabled to avail of greater funding levels under Objective I status to develop and strengthen economically; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10621/98]

Enda Kenny

Question:

171 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the regions in the country where GDP levels fall below the average EU GDP level; the proposals, if any, he has to have the GDP earnings of these areas increased towards EU levels; and if he will indicate a programme and timetable to implement this. [10622/98]

Enda Kenny

Question:

172 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the Government's view on Objective I status for the west, north-west, including Border counties and the midlands; his views on whether these regions qualify for EU Objective I status funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10624/98]

Enda Kenny

Question:

173 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the proposals, if any, the Government has to introduce regional authorities that will satisfy EU criteria in order to enable the drawing down of Objective I category funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10625/98]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 to 173 inclusive together.

I refer the Deputy to the information I supplied in answer to his questions on 28 April on this topic. As I explained in that reply, since Ireland's per capita GDP has now surpassed 75 per cent of the EU average, it would not be possible for Ireland to retain full Objective l status in the next round.

According to figures recently published by the CSO, a number of subregions, as mentioned by the Deputy, had, up till 1995, per capita GDP levels below the level mentioned above. It is important to stress that these subregions are not capable of attracting Objective l status as matters stand. At my meeting with Commissioner Wulf-Mathies on 20 April last, we had a useful exchange of views covering this issue among others.

I was glad to be able to thank the Commissioner on the positive contributions made by the Commission to the peace process in the North. I was also able to welcome the fact that transition, rather than a sudden cut-off, had been recognised as important for regions like Ireland which were graduating from full Objective l status. At the same time I emphasised the concerns facing Ireland, particularly the needs of those parts of the country which are still economically lagging behind. The possibilities in relation to continued Objective l treatment for these regions were discussed. The Commissioner made it clear that she could not support proposals to change the current regional basis for Objective l status which were not adequately based in terms of regional administration, comparability with other regions in the EU, and the appropriate statistical basis. The door to further examination of the issue was, however, left open and the Government is continuing its consideration of the matter.