andMr. G. Lynch asked the Minister for Finance what development programme has been prepared regarding western areas to ensure that, in the event of joining EEC, this country will qualify for its share of any funds made available by the Community for such purposes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Western Regional Development.
27.
All of the Regional Development Organisations for western areas have submitted their reports to the Minister for Local Government. The reports deal with the principal considerations relevant to a development programme in each region. The reports will be taken into account by the Government in their further consideration shortly of regional policy. The preparation by the Industrial Development Authority of industrial plans for each region is at an advanced stage. These plans will be considered by the Government in the context of regional policy as a whole. The Government will have decided our regional strategy in good time to allow of the transmission to EEC institutions of our development proposals as soon as Ireland has acceded to the Community. These proposals will pay due regard to the special development needs of western areas.