Michael Ring
Question:231 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the amount of money drawn down by the Western Development Commission in 1999; and the number of projects, if any, this funding has assisted. [1077/00]
Written Answers. - Western Development Commission.
As the western investment fund is likely to constitute a form of State aid, it requires the prior approval of the European Commission for its operation. My Department has been in correspondence and discussion with the Commission since June 1999 in this matter and has been ably assisted by the Western Development Commission in this task.
When my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Davern, met Commissioner Fischler in Brussels in December he took the opportunity to raise this issue with him. He also brought the matter to the attention of Commissioner Byrne. I am confident of a favourable decision in the matter very soon.
The Government's commitment to the fund remains. Provision of £25 million has been made in the national development plan for this purpose and £5 million is included for it in the Estimate for my Department for the year 2000.