asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the present percentage of the Regional Fund allocated to Ireland following the accession of Greece, as opposed to the figure prior to its accession, and whether he considers the amount to be received in 1981 to be adequate.
Written Answers. - Regional Fund Allocation.
34.
Ireland's percentage share of the Regional Fund is fixed at 5.94 per cent of the total fund as opposed to 6.46 per cent prior to the revision of Regional Fund quotas to take account of Greek accession to the Communtiy.
While it is true that, measured against the differences in the level of economic development in different regions of the Community, the amount allocated to Ireland from the Regional Fund for 1981 is not adequate, it must be accepted that in the present Community budgetary situation it was not to be expected that agreement to a larger amount could have been reached among the member states. The total amount of the Regional Fund for 1981 was increased to take account of Greek accession to the Community and, while Ireland's percentage share decreased slightly, there has been no consequent reduction in our cash receipts. Indeed since 1975, when the fund came into operation, the amount we receive annually has steadily increased from £8.3 million in 1975 to approximately £60 million in 1981.
However, I can assure the Deputy that we are continuing to press for an increase in the resources of the Regional and Social Funds which, as I have said, cannot as they stand at present be considered as adequate.