asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the European concept of transferring resources from wealthier to poorer regions is still an EEC objective.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Economic Objectives.
28.
I take it that the Deputy is referring to the Preamble to the EEC Treaty which sets the Community the objective of strengthening the unity of the economies of the member states and ensuring their harmonious development by reducing the differences existing between the various regions and the backwardness of the less favoured regions. The Deputy may also be referring to Article 2 of the same Treaty which reads,
The Community shall have the task, by establishing a common market and progressively approximating the economic policies of Members States, to promote throughout the Community a harmonious development of economic activities, a continuous and balanced expansion, an increase in stability, an accelerated raising of the standard of living and closer relations between the States belonging to it.
There has been no change either to the Preamble or to Article 2. Proposals for a regional policy which would partially implement these provisions have been made by the Commission but the Council of Ministers has not yet taken a decision on this matter.