Róisín Shortall
Question:34 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the discussions, if any, he has had or plans to have with the EU Commission on the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26893/99]
Other Questions. - National Development Plan.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:51 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the further consultations, if any, which will take place with regard to the implementation of the National Development Plan 2000-2006. [24551/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 51 together.
The European Commission, by letter of 2 December 1999, has confirmed that the National Development Plan 2000-2006 complies with all the relevant provisions of the General Structural Funds Regulation. This clears the way for negotiations with the Commission of a community support framework in respect of the EU co-financed elements of the plan.
Under the Structural Funds regulation these negotiations must be completed within five months of receipt by the Commission of the plan. Officials from my Department briefed the European Commission services on the plan on 8 December last as a prelude to the commencement of the negotiations on a CSF. At the Commission's request, the negotiations proper will get under way towards the end of January 2000.
The operational programmes provided for in the plan will also have to be developed to facilitate implementation of it. It will be the responsibility of the specified managing authorities of the operational programmes, as indicated at paragraph 12.4 of chapter 12 of the plan, to engage in further consultation on the operational programmes with the bodies who will be implementing the measures in the programmes.
The managing authorities will also have responsibility for preparing the programme complement, which is provided for under the Structural Funds regulation and which will set out the proposed allocations and detailed implementation arrangements for the operational programmes at measure level.
Has the Minister or his Department been in negotiation with the Commission on the management of the subregional programmes which are part of the national development plan? The Minister will be aware that the Commission has on a number of occasions this year indicated, in regard to budgetary strategy generally, it felt that a further stimulus to the economy was not appropriate. Is that still the Commission's position? How does the Minister intend to deal with the Commission in this regard?
There have been early talks with the Commission on the national development plan. We have until 25 April 2000 to finalise matters in that regard. With regard to the Deputy's second question, I am always willing to take advice.
Sometimes a little late in the day.
I did not say that I often ignored it.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.