Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 6

Written Answers. - Western Development Commission.

Michael Ring

Question:

225 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if funding for agriculture, fisheries and forestry will be included in the remit of the Western Development Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3438/00]

Michael Ring

Question:

226 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if the EU is seeking to regard the Western Development Commission loans and equity investment remit as being anti-competitive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3439/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 225 and 226 together.

The general functions of the Western Development Commission are to promote, assist in, foster and encourage economic and social development in its region. For this purpose it may provide assistance from the western investment fund in such form as it considers appropriate, but not grant aid, for business and social enterprises and projects. It is intended that the fund will assist projects engaged in the processing and marketing of agricultural and fisheries products.

Aid, irrespective of its form, isprima facie State aid once it is funded by the Exchequer. Accordingly, the western investment fund was notified to the European Commission last June seeking approval for its operation and negotiations have been ongoing since then. I am pressing the Commission for a decision in the matter.