asked the Minister for Finance if he will forward an integrated development programme for South-West Kerry, as prepared, to the Commission of the European Communities for appropriate action including financial aid at the maximum rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Kerry Development Programme.
375.
South-West Kerry is already included under the general programme for western development which is being assisted from the EAGGF Guidance Section. As I indicated in reply to a similar question from Deputy O'Leary in February 1983, I am not in favour of submitting development programmes for limited geographical areas of the country for special European Community action since the whole country is treated as a single region for purposes of Community Regional Policy. The financial assistance received from the Community under the Regional Fund is used mainly to finance national programmes of infrastructural expenditure which benefit the country as a whole and the developmental needs of particular areas of the country must be considered in the context of overall national priorities.