Peadar Clohessy
Question:21 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if the position in relation to EU funding for the Burren project has been clarified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8854/97]
Written Answers - EU Funding.
Desmond J. O'Malley
Question:34 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if the position in relation to EU funding for the Burren project has been clarified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8850/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 34 together.
In its letter of 26 February 1997, the European Commission stated that, as only a small proportion of the work on the Mullaghmore project was completed and that as this work failed to achieve the purpose envisaged, a significant change had occurred which was in contravention of the conditions for which the moneys were granted.
DG XVI of the Commission has made a recommendation to its commissioner that, as the moneys granted under Decision C (89)2258/7 of 21 December 1989 were not used for the purpose originally applied for, the Commission is bound under its own rules of procedure to reclaim said moneys.
Ireland's contention is that no reduction of assistance should be effected pursuant to Article 24 on the grounds that Ireland did not act in bad faith, committed no irregularity and received no funds unduly.
The Government intends to consider the legal and other implications of the forthcoming Commission decision to see what, if any, course of action is open to Ireland in pursuing this matter further.