Vol. 416 No. 6
40 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Finance whether he proposes to change the method of project assessment and funding under the EC Structural Funds; if he will outline the changes if any he has in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
105 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the changes, if any, he proposes the EC make in the composition, structure and method of administration of the EC Structural Funds in the context of the Delors II package; if any detailed proposals have already been submitted to the Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 105 together.
The EC Commission is expected to bring forward proposals in the next few months for new regulations to govern the operation of the Structural Funds in the next, post-1993, Structural Fund round. These proposals will then have to be considered by Council.
Until the Commission proposals are available, it would be premature to comment in detail on changes which we would like to see. In general, the Government consider that the present arrangements for the administration of the funds have worked well. We would favour a high degree of continuity in these arrangements in the next round, but with some refinements designed to streamline and simplify procedures. The Commission has been made aware of our views in this respect.
