Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Jul 1992

Vol. 422 No. 4

Written Answers. - INTERREG Programme.

James Leonard

Question:

108 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that prior to drawing up the INTERREG 1993-1995 programme, discussions will be held with local authorities and agencies operating in the Border region so as to have a more even-handed spread of the benefits.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern):

The current INTERREG programme will run until the end of 1993. Any subsequent INTERREG programme is likely to cover the next planning period of the Structural Funds, 1994 to 1997. As was the case with the current INTERREG programme, there will be consultation with various local interests before the programme is drawn up.

Furthermore, the submissions to be made by the sub-regional review committees in the context of the preparation of the National Development Plan will provide an opportunity for the relevant sub-regional review committees to make proposals in relation to the type of measures to be included in a future INTERREG programme. This has already been drawn to the attention of the special sub-regional review committee which deals with the INTERREG programme. I am not aware of any difficulties in relation to the spread of the benefits from the INTERREG programme.