Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Mar 1992

Vol. 416 No. 6

Written Answers. - Submission to Portuguese Presidency.

Dick Spring

Question:

70 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Finance if the Irish Government have made a submission to the Portuguese Presidency in relation to the EC Cohesion Funds as promised at Maastricht, and if he will outline the terms of the submission.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

The Government are maintaining close contact with the Portuguese Presidency with a view to ensuring early implementation of the commitments agreed at the Maastricht European Council to the establishment of a Cohesion Fund to benefit the poorer member states, including Ireland.

The EC Commission has put forward proposals on the operation of the Cohesion Fund in the context of the proposals for the Community budget for the period 1993 to 1997. These proposals will be discussed in the Community over the coming months.