James Leonard
Question:38 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Finance the discussions, if any, that have taken place with his British counterpart regarding the economy of Border counties. [18299/95]
Written Answers. - Border Counties Economy.
As the Deputy knows, my Department is responsible for the Ireland/Northern Ireland INTERREG Programme and the Special EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border counties. Following Government approval of my proposals in respect of both of these Community initiatives the Department of Finance and Personnel in Belfast and my own Department drew up the draft Operational Programmes which were subsequently approved by the European Commission. The relevant counterpart in Britain involved in the process is the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and, indeed, it would not be out of place for me to thank them for their positive contribution in ensuring that our Border counties were considered an essential part of the equation in response to the Commission's desire to support the peace process in Northern Ireland. In drawing up the Operational Programmes every facility was given to local interests, North and South of the Border to have an impact on the proposals.
I can assure the Deputy that through the various fora provided, including the joint monitoring Committees of the INTERREG and Peace Programmes and the joint Chapter on North/South Co-operation in the National Plan 1994-99, every opportunity will continue to be availed of to advance the economic development of the Border region. Other questions that are down for answer today give more specific detail in relation to other initiatives under way.