asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport when he last met the EC Commissioner with responsibility for transport; the matters which were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - EC Transport Discussions.
9.
I have regular meetings with the EC Commissioner responsible for transport, particularly when meetings of the Council of Transport Ministers are convened. On these occasions, I have discussions with the Commissioner about transport proposals put forward by the Commission, particularly proposals of importance to Ireland. The last such meeting was held in October 1988 when the subjects discussed included Commission proposals relating to EC third country transport negotiations, medium-term programme of Community financial assistance for transport infrastructure and access to the occupation of road haulage operator.
Has the Minister given the Commissioner any indication regarding the development plan the Minister is proposing? Did he probe with the Commissioner what likely finance would be forthcoming to him and his Department to implement that plan?
I can tell the Deputy that that matter has been discussed with the Commissioner. Without doing any violence to normal expectations, or being over euphoric, I can say that the Commissioner is very hopeful that substantial sums of money will be available from the Structural Funds. Also under consideration is the establishment of a special transport fund within the Commission. Some EC Members are opposed to the idea of a special transport fund as distinct from the structural funds we have been discussing during this Question Time. The present Commissioner is committed to such a separate transport fund. I might add that there is an ad hoc fund in existence from which we have been benefiting now for some years.
In the course of these discussions was the question of the preparation of integrated development plans for the regions discussed and also whether it would be necessary to have the transport plan from Ireland ready in time for lodgment? Is it true that these plans will have to be lodged by March 1989 to impact on the Structural Funds, as the Minister said himself?
The Deputy is quite right, that is the final date but we hope to have it ready and lodged well before then.
I am calling Question No. 10.
A Cheann Comhairle, may I ask a brief supplementary?
Yes.
Can the Minister tell us if any progress was made in his discussions with the Commissioner on the cabotage issue? Irish road hauliers have got to transfer the entire vehicle to a port in Europe——
That appears to be a separate matter.
Can the Minister tell us if any progress was made on that issue and while I am on my feet let me ask the Minister if the difficulties in regard to Fifth Freedom rights — we have had difficulties with the Italian authorities in regard to services to Milan via Manchester — have been resolved?
These appear to be separate matters and worthy of separate questions.
They were included in the discussions——
The Deputy is referring to specific matters and therefore he ought to table specific questions.
These matters would have arisen in the Minister's discussions with the EC Commissioner.
The Deputy is going from the general to the particular and he is aware of that.
I am asking the Minister if he will reply to the points that have been raised and to indicate if these matters were referred to during his discussions?
I will answer if the Chair——
Deputy Higgins is offering.
In respect of the Minister's reference to a separate transport fund can the Minister tell us if a transport dimension within the regional structures that exist is going to be created? Is there a danger that should the transport fund not be established we would be at a loss in respect of other projects submitted under the established funds, the Regional Fund and the other funds?
I agree with Deputy Griffin when he says that substantial expenditure is involved. As Deputy Higgins said correctly, the main fund we will be depending upon is the ERDF, the European Regional Development Fund.