asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received a report regarding proposed development of the north-west of the country from EEC special regional funds; and if he will recommend the inclusion of County Mayo, North Roscommon and West Cavan with that area, as their economic and development problems are similar.
Ceisteanna—Questions. - Regional Development.
63.
It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the report of the proceedings of the conference on the north-west and the EEC Regional Fund, which was held on 9th and 10th November at Magee University College by the working party on development in the north-west in conjunction with the Institute of Continuing Education of the New University of Ulster. I have received a copy of the report together with a memorandum requesting a joint application to the Commission of the European Communities by the Governments of Ireland and the United Kingdom to have a suitable study carried out to guide development in the north-west cross-Border area.
As the Deputy will recall, it was agreed between the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister, when they met in September of this year, that such a request should be made and the matter is at present being examined jointly at official level. As the geographical extent of the proposed study is one of the subjects being examined it is premature to say what areas will be recommended for inclusion in the study.