I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 27, 75 and 95 together.
There are clear indications in the European Commission's recent Structural Funds proposals that a progressive reduction in the level of EU aid to Ireland after 1999 is to be expected. However, the actual amount of funding available will not be known until the new Structural Funds regulations have been adopted and Ireland's national development plan for the period 2000 to 2006 has been negotiated with the European Commission. It is anticipated that the new regulations will be adopted in early to mid-1999 and negotiations on the national development plan will follow.
The Department of Finance, in consultation with all concerned parties, including my Department, initiated preparations on the next national development plan which will set out Ireland's key priorities for the post-1999 period. The plan will require approval by Government in due course.
The impact of a cut in Structural Funds on the services provided by FÁS will depend on the level of structural funding available, the extent of other priorities requiring support, the levels of training and related services required by the labour market and the need to reduce unemployment.