asked the Minister for Finance if the Government have a regional policy; and what other Departments have a responsibility in the matter.
Written Answers. - Regional Policy.
587.
Yes, the Government have a regional policy. In reply to the second part of the Deputy's question, as Minister for Finance I have overall responsibility for the co-ordination of economic and social planning with respect to the different regions of the country and the Western Development Fund is also my responsibility. Furthermore, there is a regional dimension to the policies and operational activities of most Government departments. This is particularly so in the case of the Department of Industry and Energy (in regard to its responsibilities for industrial policy and the promotion of industrial employment), the Department of the Environment (in relation to physical planning and the provision of infrastructure) and the Department of the Gaeltacht.