asked the Minister for Finance the strategy which is being pursued in preparation of national and regional plans for submission to Europe to ensure balance between economic and social objectives in order that poverty and inequality are addressed as a priority.
Written Answers. - National and Regional Plans.
30.
The strategy being pursued in Ireland's regional development plan is to improve the country's competitiveness and develop its productive capacity in order to achieve the following objectives:
—to prepare the economy to compete successfully in the internal market when completed in 1992.
—to stimulate the economic growth needed to reduce unemployment and to raise per capita incomes towards average Community levels;
—to improve further the state of the public finances; and
—to accompany economic growth by a greater social dimension in our society.
By reducing unemployment and raising incomes, the plan will make a major direct contribution towards solving the problems of poverty and inequality.
By generating additional resources through more rapid economic growth, the plan will also make an indirect contribution towards solving those problems. It is a central aim of the Government's overall economic and social strategy — of which the plan is a key element — to ensure that the disadvantaged share fully in increased prosperity.