Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Nov 1993

Vol. 436 No. 1

Written Answers. - Structural Funding.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

24 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance whether any directives issued, from his office or elsewhere, when it became obvious that EC Structural Funding for Ireland for 1993-1999 would fall approximately £0.6 billion short of the figure anticipated by the Taoiseach in his statement following the Edinburgh Summit; if contact was made with any or all of the European Heads of Government at that time; if any further action was taken to ensure the reinstatement of the funds in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

68 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when attention was first drawn to the £0.6 billion shortfall in the EC Structural Funds; if any directives were issued following receipt of this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

69 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the person who first drew attention to an impending shortfall in EC Structural Funds for Ireland for the years 1993-1999 in view of the Taoiseach's statement following the Edinburgh Conference; if any directions or instructions were issued on receipt of the information; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 68, 69 together.

While the allocation of EC aid made under the recent EC Commission decision is less than the figure on which the National Development Plan was based it still would allow for a total EC contribution of between £7 and £8 billion. The allocation announced by the Commission on 21 October is indicative and is seen as a minimum figure. Commission sources have confirmed that there is every prospect that a higher figure can ultimately be achieved.

On 8 October when the National Development Plan was formally submitted to the Commission, Commissioner Millan informed the Minister for Finance and I that he was having difficulty with the share out of structural funds and he could not envisage a total of £7.84 billion being guaranteed. Our response was that we expected that the understanding reached on 20 July would be honoured in full and we would receive £7.84 billion as agreed.

On the margins of the informal ECOFIN on 9 October, President Delors indicated to the Minister for Finance that there were problems in relation to the share out between the four cohesion countries and these called into question the allocation expected by Ireland. He did not discuss specific figures. During that brief discussion the Minister for Finance indicated again that the National Development Plan was based on a community contribution of £7.84 billion for 1993-1999.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

25 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance whether he proposes to meet Mr. Jacques Delors, the President of the EC Commission, in connection with the shortfall in EC funding for the National Development Plan 1994-1999.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

A meeting with the President of the EC Commission is not envisaged at this time.