asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the working party committee on cross-Border economic development have met since the setting up of the International Fund; and if they will be making recommendations to the seven man commission.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cross-Border Economic Development Committee.
9.
I understand that the Deputy is referring to the special steering committee established to discuss the progress of the special border areas programme. As this programme, which was funded from the non-quota section of the European Regional Development Fund, is now coming to an end, the special steering committee have no further role. They will not have any function in relation to the International Fund for Ireland.
It is important to have a balanced approach on this. The steering committee, made up of civil servants from various Departments, did much research and would be in a good position to give accurate information and have a positive approach to what should be done. It is important to put all the information available before that committee. Does the Minister agree with that?
I do not disagree with what Deputy Leonard has said. A lot of very valuable work was done by that committee and a lot of useful information was gathered and that will be available to the International Fund. There will be an overlap between the civil servants in this group and those on the new advisory group to the International Fund. Even if they are not personally there they will be available to the advisory group to give them the benefit of their experience under this group.
My concern is to ensure that the information which was collected and all the research that was done would be available to the new group.
I can give the Deputy that assurance.