asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has given any consideration to the establishment of an all-Ireland regional aid authority which would be representative of interests primarily concerned with EEC Regional Aid application, if he will pursue this matter at EEC level and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Regional Aid
4.
The Government are fully aware of the many concerns and interests in relation to the ERDF common to the whole island of Ireland, which is uniformly eligible for aid under the fund, and it is the policy of the Government to promote the most extensive possible co-ordination in this respect between the two parts of the island. There already exists substantial co-operation, in particular to identify, with the help of EEC-assisted studies, areas on both sides of the Border which require assistance and may be eligible for aid from the fund. We are at present actively working in the various European instances to ensure that Border areas in Ireland will benefit under the non-quota section of the fund.
The Government remain open to any measure which might further co-operation between the two parts of the island in relation to the European Regional Development Fund. However, any dissociation of authority for the regional fund from the planning function of the Government as a whole could pose serious practical problems and could prove detrimental to the most efficient use of ERDF funds. Furthermore, the various contacts which we have had with the British Government in relation to general questions of co-operation between the two Governments, have given us no reason to believe that they are prepared to contemplate such a development.
While I do not consider that the Deputy's suggestion offers any prospect of progress at this time I will continue to bear it in mind in relation to future discussions with the relevant British authorities.
Does the Minister agree that an emphasis under EEC auspices towards an all-Ireland economic dimension as distinct from an all-Ireland political dimension is a fit subject to be pursued by us during the short period that is left of our Presidency?
It is not an unreasonable ideal. However, the reality of the situation is that the system as presently operating is working well. My belief is that the Government want to retain control of the fund and I believe that the same situation applies in relation to the British Government.
Would the Minister agree that, taking the voting together which has been a feature amongst the 18 directly elected Members of the European Parliament on regional matters, it would be a constructive attempt on the part of the Government to seek greater EEC assistance on the regional front? Admittedly, as the Minister has said, this would pose certain difficulties in terms of our own control over regional aid——
A brief supplementary, Deputy.
Does the Minister agree that it is a more constructive front on which to seek EEC movement?
Having seen the matter at first hand, I take the view that the 18 Irish members, the 15 from this part of the island and the three from the north-eastern part of the island, are uniting in their efforts to bring about cross-Border co-operation on the economic front. As I see it, the system is working very well. I do not hold the view that we are not making the best use of demands from the fund and that he might be able to improve the position.