asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the final decision on EEC regional policy will be one in which the veto may be used if he is not satisfied with the conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Regional Policy.
18.
The proposal for a Council regulation establishing the regional fund states clearly that the Community will be given the necessary powers by applying Article 235 of the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community. The article in question states:
If action by the Community should prove necessary to attain, in the course of the operation of the common market, one of the objectives of the Community and this Treaty has not provided the necessary powers, the Council shall, acting unanimously on a proposal from the Commission and after consulting the Assembly, take the appropriate measures.
There is no question, therefore, of the decision in relation to the establishment of the regional fund being taken other than on the basis of unanimity. I indicated in the Council on 15th October last that the Government would not, in any circumstances, accept in regard to the Fund quotas based solely upon population statistics which failed to take account of variations in the intensity of regional problems in different parts of the Community.
Could I ask the Minister if he is satisfied with the designation of the areas to which he has referred?
I did not quite catch the Deputy's question.
Is the Minister satisfied with the designation of the areas as that designation has been done by the Commission?
No, I am not satisfied with the designation of the areas.