asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if State subsidies for industry are forbidden within the EEC; if exceptions can be made in cases of difficulty in developing industrial nations such as the Republic of Ireland, if she becomes a member.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - State Subsidised Industries.
9.
I refer the Deputy to the Government's White Paper on the Implications for Ireland of Membership of the European Communities, in particular paragraphs 4.25 to 4.29 on State aids, and paragraphs 9.22 to 9.32 on regional policy.
Are we to gather from the Minister's reply and from the document that was recently circulated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs that there has been a request for these industrial incentives to continue beyond the transitional period? If this is so will the Minister say whether or not the Community have agreed to this?
We expect to be in a position to continue making available the financial incentives which now operate after accession to the EEC. This would be our objective.
Why does the Minister say this? What evidence has he that this would be allowed?
The articles I have referred to make it clear.
No.
On any reading of these articles it is open that grants towards industrial development on a regional basis can be made available.
I am only going on the document and the original submission made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Commission where he said he wished to be assured that these industrial incentives could be continued beyond the transitional period. What I am asking is has that been negotiated and what has been the outcome?
No.
What reason has the Minister for saying that he expects this will be so?
Of course I would say that and the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he were here would say that too.
If these industrial incentives are to be granted under a regional policy what steps are being taken to formulate such a policy?
This is a very important matter for discussion and negotiation within the whole framework of the Community.
There is no regional policy.
What steps have been taken to formulate such a policy and what consultations is it intended to have with people in the country?
This is one of the reasons why the Minister for Foreign Affairs is in Norway.
That is for fisheries.
Norway is not a Member.
I know.