Brendan Smith
Question:44 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the rural renewal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28123/98]
Written Answers - Rural Renewal Scheme.
I have not yet received approval from the EU Commission for the business elements of the rural renewal scheme. The latest position is that the Commission has written to us with several queries arising from our initial application. The reply to them is currently being prepared. I would stress that this is part of the normal process associated with obtaining EU approval and that the procedure may take some time to complete.
Any final decision made by the Commission in this context will be announced at the appropriate time.