Bertie Ahern
Question:5 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Taoiseach Ireland's estimated GDP per capita in 1995 vis-à-vis the EU average. [2977/96]
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Gross Domestic Product.
The latest available official estimates of GDP per capita for both Ireland and the EU relate to 1994. In that year GDP per capita for Ireland, converted using purchasing power standards, was 84.9 per cent of the EU average. Purchasing power standards take account of the varying price levels in the different member states and are the most usual measure adopted for international comparisons.
I am at a disadvantage in that I tabled these questions to the Taoiseach as policy questions. If I table them in another form they are transferred to the Minister for Finance. When I table them in the above form they are taken as statistical questions. I have been trying for the past six months to get the Taoiseach to answer questions in the policy area. Although I know the Minister of State cannot reply, I am trying to ascertain whether the Government has set in train plans to ensure that Ireland is in a position to draw down Structural, Cohesion and other funds after 1999. I will be pleased to hear the reply if the Minister of State can respond. I have failed, through questions tabled to the Taoiseach and to the Minister for Finance and through statistical questions, to find out what plan or policy the Government has for the review of the Structural Funds policy — the mid-term review is due — or for 1999 and thereafter.
The question is clearly statistical.
That is what happens.