asked the Minister for Finance given the increased orientation at EC level towards supporting the development of regional programmes in the Community, if he considers that it is now appropriate for the Government to put much more emphasis on the creation of regional development strategies for this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - EC Regional Policy.
257.
As the Deputy is aware, Ireland is treated as one region for the purposes of community regional policy. The benefits of EC support for regional development are felt, of course, in all parts of the country and the Government seek to maximise the assistance received from community sources for this purpose.
Ireland's development strategy is set out in the Government's plan Building on Reality — 1985-1987. I might add that most Government Departments and State agencies have a regional dimension to their policies and expenditure. This is particularly so in the case of the Department of Industry (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.