Vol. 431 No. 7
45 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of the EC Structural Funds allocated to tourism from the present 1989-93 allocation; whether it is proposed to increase, or reduce, this percentage in the proposed 1994-99 allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The allocation to the Operational Programme for Tourism represents 5 per cent of the total aid for the Community Support Framework for Ireland 1989-93.
The preparation of a National Development Plan which will form the basis of negotiation with the EC Commission of the Community Support Framework for EC Structural and Cohesion Funds for the period 1994-99 is underway. As part of this work the Government is considering the priority expenditure areas for investment to be included in the plan. As the total of demands substantially exceeds any likely allocation of funds to Ireland difficult decisions will have to be made on which proposals best meet our priority objectives. No decisions have yet been taken by the Government on the allocation of expenditure and aid for the different sectors.
