Derek McDowell
Question:38 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Finance the progress, if any, made since 20 April 1999 in drafting the national plan. [13843/99]
Written Answers. - National Development Plan.
Preparation of the National Development Plan 2000-2006 is ongoing in my Department. Widespread consultations on priorities for the plan are continuing. My Department organised a seminar on 13 May last on the NDP which was attended by representatives of the social partners, Government Departments, the regions and other bodies. This facilitated a most useful exchange of views on the plan. The Taoiseach, Tánaiste and myself are also presently engaged in a round of bilateral discussions with the four pillars of the social partnership on the plan.
As indicated in my reply to Questions Nos. 189, 191 and 192 of Wednesday, 5 May 1999 if the Structural Fund regulations are adopted, as anticipated, by the end of May we would then have until the end of September to submit the plan to the European Commission. The current aim is, if possible, to finalise the plan before the end of July.