asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement in relation to Ireland's failure to take up the offer of £8 million for community purposes.
Written Answers. - Non Take-up of Funds.
53.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the use of a global grant from the EC Structural Funds to assist local development initiatives.
I must emphasise that provision for such global grants would not involve any additional allocation of Structural Fund aid to Ireland, but would only be made available by the Commission from within the total Structural Fund moneys already earmarked for this country. Accordingly, the merits of using a global grants scheme had to be considered in the light of many competing demands for Structural Fund aid.
In preparing the National Development Plan, which forms the basis of Ireland's application for assistance from the Structural Funds, the Government were most anxious to encourage and assist such development initiatives by local communities. The merits of using a global grants scheme for this purpose were fully considered. The Government consider, however, that local development needs may best be met through the sectoral operational programmes provided for in the plan. For example, the operational programme for industry, tourism, human resources and agriculture and rural development will include measures designed to respond to development initiatives by local communities.
In the circumstances, provision of assistance to local development initiatives through a global grant scheme, would not result in the most efficient use of resources.