Vol. 436 No. 1
63 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Finance if Dublin will regain the economic ground lost in the past ten years in the allocation of funds and the number of projects in the National Development Plan 1994-1999 which are directed at the greater Dublin area; if any net employment targets have been set for the capital; and if he will make a statement on the measures to redress the problems in this major unemployment blackspot.
80 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the absence of a socio-economic analysis for each of the eight regions defined for EC Structural and Cohesion Funds in the National Development Plan, 1994 to 1999, is a serious shortcoming in determining the level of investment in job creation needed in each of these regions under this plan.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 80 together.
Each of the existing seven Sub-Regional Review Committees prepared a detailed submission setting out its recommendations concerning a development strategy and the priority measures to implement that strategy for its sub-region. This included a socio-economic analysis for each of those regions. The submissions from the review committees will be fully taken into account in determining the level of investment in job creation needed in each area.
The central objective of the National Development Plan is to ensure the best long term return for the economy by increasing output, economic potential and long term jobs. It is further designed to reintegrate the long term unemployed and those at high risk of becoming so into the economic mainstream.
Statements of the integrated developments proposed in each sub-region are now being prepared and will be made available shortly. The plan places major emphasis on local development. Inherent in the Local Development Programme is the targeting of areas and communities characterised by long term unemployment and social exclusion.
