Vol. 502 No. 2
65 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance the focus, if any, in place to give the north west and, in particular, Sligo the capital and gateway to Northern Ireland in view of the ERSI study on national investment priorities which stated that it would be developing and targeting key regional centres; if Sligo will be targeted as a key regional centre for development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7472/99]
66 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the European Commission is likely to mirror closely the ERSI report on national investment priorities and, in particular, the last substantial tranche of Structural Funds between 2000 and 2006; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that it was agreed that Sligo was seen as a key development centre; if this opinion is still held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7473/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 66 together.
My Department has commissioned the Economic and Social Research Institute to carry out an ex-ante evaluation of investment priorities for the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Their report is currently being finalised and is expected to be published by them on 19 March.
The European Commission's views on Structural Funds in the period 2000-2006 are set out in their publication Agenda 2000. I do not propose to engage in speculation on what the European Commission's views of the ESRI report might be. As regards possible conclusions or recommendations in the ESRI report, I will consider the report's conclusions in the context of the preparations for the National Development Plan which are ongoing.
