Vol. 492 No. 4
2 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Taoiseach the per capita GDP for the western region, including Counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, for 1991, 1993 and the latest date for which data is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13694/98]
The actual GDP per capita for the west together with a comparison with the EU average for the years 1991 to 1995 is supplied in a table with I propose to circulate in the Official Report.
GDP per capita for the west region and comparisons with the EU average.
|
Year |
GDP per capita (£) |
Index of GDP per capita (base EU Average = 100) |
|
1991 |
5,389 |
57.1 |
|
1992 |
5,600 |
57.4 |
|
1993 |
5,938 |
58.9 |
|
1994 |
6,171 |
60.6 |
|
1995 |
6,943 |
64.4 |
May I ask a supplementary?
Question No. 2 is purely statistical and it is not usual to ask supplementaries in the case of purely statistical questions.
It is relevant to the statistics. The answer given by the Minister is welcome and it has been given already by the Minister for Finance. It clearly signifies that the regions involved are eligible under EU regulations for Objective One status. Will the Minister outline for the House——
The Deputy is going into a policy matter now on a statistical question.
What is the Government's policy?
We cannot discuss policy in respect of statistical questions. I will not create a precedent by allowing supplementaries on such questions. We will proceed to question No. 3.
Will the Minister of State clarify the position?
I have made a ruling, which is in accordance with precedent, that there will not be supplementaries on policy in respect of questions of this nature.
I agree with the Ceann Comhairle's ruling. However, I am interested in obtaining further information in respect of the statistics supplied in the original reply. Is the Minister of State aware that the percentage of GDP obtaining in the 13 counties in the western, Border and midlands regions is 68 per cent?
That is a separate question.
It is not.
The Deputy should resume his seat. We will not deal with supplementary questions on statistical matters. The Deputy's question relates to policy and it is out of order.
Does the Government intend to honour the commitment given in the programme for Government?
If the Deputy believes this is an important matter he should table a parliamentary question accordingly. He should not attempt to deal with an important matter by way of asking supplementaries in respect of statistical questions. The Deputy is out of order and he should resume his seat.
I am not out of order, the Government is out of order.
