I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 to 173 inclusive together.
I refer the Deputy to the information I supplied in answer to his questions on 28 April on this topic. As I explained in that reply, since Ireland's per capita GDP has now surpassed 75 per cent of the EU average, it would not be possible for Ireland to retain full Objective l status in the next round.
According to figures recently published by the CSO, a number of subregions, as mentioned by the Deputy, had, up till 1995, per capita GDP levels below the level mentioned above. It is important to stress that these subregions are not capable of attracting Objective l status as matters stand. At my meeting with Commissioner Wulf-Mathies on 20 April last, we had a useful exchange of views covering this issue among others.