asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the Government's attitude to the proposed EEC draft directive on harmonising State aids in outlying areas of the European Community; whether the Government have made representations to the EEC institutions on this matter; and, if so, the character of such representations and the response received to them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - State Aids Harmonisation.
56.
I am aware that there has recently been a certain amount of publicity about a confidential draft document prepared in the EEC Commission on the subject of harmonising state aids to industry. The Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to discuss a document which has been received in confidence. There have already been full discussions with Commission officials on this issue, and these are still continuing. The Deputy may rest assured that everything possible is being done to ensure that any decisions which are taken will take account of this country's needs.