asked the Minister for Finance if, in the light of the recent European Summit he will outline the changes in the Regional Fund as it affects grants for local authority projects and in particular, road projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Regional Fund Changes.
44.
The decisions taken by the European Council concern a number of major issues which arose in the context of the comprehensive proposal on the reform of the structural funds submitted by the Commission in accordance with the Single European Act. Certain aspects of that proposal are still the subject of negotiations in the General Affairs Council. The European Council agreed that these negotiations would be concluded by 31 May next. The consequential detailed changes in the regulations governing the Regional Fund and the other structural funds will be the subject of further proposals.
At this stage, therefore, it is not possible to say with any certainty how exactly the European Council's decisions will affect grants for local authority projects and in particular road projects.