asked the Minister for Finance the way in which the Integrated Rural Development Programme will be integrated into the regional plans and projects at present being prepared for submission to the EC.
Written Answers. - Integrated Rural Development Programme.
27.
The results of the Integrated Rural Development Programmes initiated by the Government earlier this year on a pilot basis and which will run for two years will have to be assessed, when completed, before any decision can be taken as to whether they might be extended or incorporated into area programmes for purposes of EC Structural Funds.
The Working Groups which are preparing the area programmes will, however, be considering the rural development needs of their areas and can include proposals for relevant projects in the programmes. It will also be possible to make provision for Integrated Rural Development Programmes in the later years of the area programmes if the assessment of the pilot scheme shows this to be worthwhile.