asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the dates on which the Government formally requested the British Government to make joint application for financial assistance from European Community funds for cross-border projects; the proposals, if any, made in each request; and the response in each case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cross-Border Projects.
11.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question on 7th November last. As I told him then, agreement in principle was reached on a joint approach to the Commission on the financing of cross-Border studies during the meeting of the Taoiseach with the British Prime Minister Mr. Health at Baldonnel in September, 1973. The agreement was reiterated at subsequent meetings with Mr. Health on 18th November, 1973 and with Mr. Wilson on 21st November, 1974. The matter remains under discussion at official level with a view to reaching agreement on the terms of reference proposed by us for a joint approach to the commission.
Time is needed to reconcile certain differences in approach between the British Government and ourselves. I can say at this stage, however, that we are and have been for more than a year ready and willing to go ahead on an approach to the commission.
I recall that on the same date, 7th November, 1974, the Minister told me in reply to a question and I quote: "I am satisfied that rapid progress will now be made."
It is not in order to quote at Question Time.
I am reminding the Minister of what he said then. Can the Minister give us any indication of any progress, rapid or otherwise, which occurred in the meantime especially since, as the Minister has said, agreement was reached first in September, 1973?
To describe what has happened as rapid progress would be a misnomer.
As the Minister said optimistically on that occasion he was satisfied that rapid progress would be made, is he acknowledging now that his expectations have been disappointed?
The progress made since that time and, indeed, since September, 1973, has been disappointing.
Has the Minister any indication what progress will be made in future?
The Deputy will appreciate that such a submission can only be made jointly by the two Governments. Agreement has to be reached on the proposals. It is our concern that the proposals to be submitted to the Commission should be broadly based and review the situation with regard to the economic development of the border areas, both the north west and the north east, the latter having been suggested at one point by the British Government. Our concern is to secure agreement on that and I would prefer to keep discussing with a view to securing such agreement than to have a more narrowly based circle which would be less useful and less satisfactory.
The Minister must appreciate my concern, nevertheless. This matter has been hanging fire since September, 1973. He is now less optimistic than he was on the 7th November, 1974. In November, 1974 the Minister said that rapid progress would be made. On what grounds did he make that statement.
A number of ministerial meetings took place at different points, including 21st November, 1974, at which the agreement on principle was reiterated. It was on that basis that I was confident that more progress would be made. I will not hide from the Deputy that I am very concerned about the lack of progress in this matter. I am very disappointed we have not got further at this point.
Question No. 12.
Can the Minister tell me——
Other Members' questions must also be answered if possible.
Will the Minister accept that it does not serve our interests to make optimistic statements which are not backed up by——
The Deputy is broadening the subject matter of this question. Question No. 12.
Agreement must be reached. On the basis of assurances given of agreement in principle there was, it seemed to me, adequate ground to expect more rapid progress. That has not happened. It has not been because of any failure on our part to press, but it requires two to reach agreement.
Is the Minister implying that the assurances were not honoured?
I am not satisfied with the progress made since then in the light of those assurances.
With regard to the region of Donegal-Derry-Tyrone where a good deal of preliminary work was already done prior to our entry to the EEC, could the Minister say if the stage has been reached where proposals for that area can be brought forward?
No, the position is that agreement has not yet been reached on a proposal for a study of that area under the auspices of the Commission. That is, in fact, what this Government originally proposed.
Question No. 12.
(Interruptions.)
Next question.
We have not yet reached agreement on the proposals we put forward which will be for broadly based studies about the north west and north east.
It was agreed in September, 1963, and nothing has been done since then?
That is a broad approximation of the position.