Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 1

Written Answers. - Community Support Frameworks.

Mary Coughlan

Question:

60 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Finance if the operational programme implementing the Community Support Frameworks has been refocused to ensure greatest advantage from the Delors peace package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3340/95]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Quinn)

Draft guidelines for the EU structural fund Community initiative PEACE are expected from the Commission shortly. The European Parliament, Committee of the Regions and management committee on Community initiatives then have to be consulted. Formal adoption of the initiative is expected around the end of April and the two administrations will then have four months to prepare an operational programme.

It is expected that the programme will cover the following broad themes: urban and rural regeneration; employment; cross-Border development; social inclusion; and productive investment and industrial development. The total EU funding available to the initiative will be in the region of 300 million ECU over three years. Funding over a further two year period will be subject to a review of the situation by the Commission.

In drawing up this operational programme full regard will be had to ensuring the optimum degree of complementarity and integration with the Community Support Framework operational programmes and relevant Community initiatives, in addition to the range of activities carried out under the International Fund for Ireland. Furthermore, the Government has given a commitment that the existing programmes will be reviewed and, as appropriate, refocused in order to meet the new demands and opportunities presented by the peace process. The details of this are something to be looked at in the context of each programme having regard to what is to be proposed under the new initiative.