asked the Minister for Finance if he will give details of the outcome of the meeting held on 16 January 1989 with representatives of the European Commission to discuss the use of increased funding for social and regional development; if, in view of the criticism of the steering committees on the grounds that they are undemocratic and unrepresentative, he intends to review the composition of the committees; the reason Army officers have been brought in to act as secretaries of a number of the committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social and Regional Development.
56.
On 16 January, my colleagues and I met members of the EC Commission to discuss the preparation of the national plan, which is to be submitted to the Commission for assistance from the Structural Funds.
I wish to draw the Deputy's attention to the joint declaration which was issued after the meeting and, in particular, to the following extract from that declaration:
The Commission welcomes the thorough and comprehensive work presented by the Irish Government today. This will prepare the ground well for the Commission to process the forthcoming plans and programmes for Ireland and thus ensure that the execution of the Structural Funds for 1989 and the years ahead will be done efficiently and in coherence with medium term planning.
This was discussed against the background of the reform of the Structural Funds, the increase in the volume of resources and the consequences of the transition to the new system. Against this background agreement was reached on the objectives and programme headings to be covered by the Plan submitted by the Irish Government. Progress with the Plan was reviewed and it was clear that the progress being made would enable the Plan to be submitted by 31 March 1989.
I do not intend to alter the composition of the working groups and advisory groups established in connection with the prepararion of sub-national programmes for the purposes of the EC Structural Funds. I do not accept the criticisms of them referred to in the question.
I would refer the Deputy to the following further extract from the joint declaration issued after the meeting on 16 January:
The arrangements for sub-regional programmes to supplement the National Plan were welcomed by the Commission as giving the opportunity to spread the projects within the Programmes throughout the country.