I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 22, 26 and 38 together.
Local interests will be consulted, and will have a significant role in monitoring the implementation of EC Structural Fund aided measures at sub-regional level.
Deputies will recall that the National Development Plan, which forms the basis for Ireland's applications for increased Structural Fund aid, was drawn up by the Government following widespread consultation at national, sub-regional and local level.
The process of consultation will be continued under the Community Support Framework which has been agreed between the Government and the EC Commission, and which will govern the operation of the EC Structural Funds up to the end of 1993. The Community Support Framework provides for the establishment of sub-regional review committees comprising representatives of local authorities, the social partners and the main Government Departments responsible for Structural Fund programmes.
It is intended that each sub-regional review committee will be regularly informed and consulted about implementation of Structural Fund aided measures in, or significantly affecting, the sub-region concerned. To this end, the sub-regional review committees will receive regular progress reports and financial statements detailing progress to date and measures proposed under the various operational programmes. My Department will have overall responsibility for the provision of such information to the sub-regional review committees.
The sub-regional review committees may convey views on any aspect of implementation of Structural Fund measures to monitoring committees which will be set up in respect of each operational programme or to a high level committee with overall responsibility for implementation of the Community Support Framework.
It is envisaged that the sub-regional review committees will be convened once the operational programmes have been approved by the EC Commission. At that stage, a sub-regional breakdown of the operational programmes will be prepared for the sub-regional review committees.