asked the Minister for Agriculture if any decision has been taken by the Government about launching the special EEC ten year agricultural restructuring programme for the west of Ireland and if any moneys have been allocated by the Government for this programme which is scheduled to start this year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC West of Ireland Programme.
28.
A decision on the EEC Commission's proposals for improving agricultural structures in the west of Ireland has not yet been taken by the Council of Ministers and Government action here in relation to the implementation of the measures must await such a decision. The council were unable to meet their original target of 31 December 1979 for a decision on these and certain other structural proposals. I am pressing in the Council for urgent adoption of the west of Ireland proposals.
Is the Minister saying that if these proposals are passed by the Council it will make easier for the Government the implementation of some form of land structure? There seems to be none at the moment.
That is a separate question.
What was the Deputy's question?
If the Council of Ministers approve of this scheme will it help in the restructuring of our land? It will as far as the west of Ireland is concerned. Will it be effective throughout the whole of Ireland?
It will. The package applies to the west of Ireland and I hope it will make considerable improvements in the structures in the west of Ireland.
To what extent does this programme initiated in Brussels depend on finance from this Government? Secondly, what order of money does the Minister expect to be provided this year under this scheme?
Naturally, the planning proposals coming from Brussels will depend to a great extent on the allocation of money by the Government here, as is the case in our drainage scheme. The Government are backing that scheme pound for pound. I would expect that in the proposals emerging from Brussels at this time the same thing would happen. It would have to be backed pound for pound, or very near that, by the Government here. The Government will make available whatever funds are needed for the implementation of those schemes.
Do we take it from what the Minister has said that any delays would not be put down to lack of commitment to finance by this Government?
The Deputy can be certain that the Government will not delay the implementation of any proposals coming from Brussels at this time. We have been pressing for this for a considerable time now and we realise the benefits that will accrue to farmers in the west of Ireland when those proposals are put into effect.
Has the ratio yet been worked out between our commitment and the Brussels commitment in relation to this?
No, it has not and it cannot be until we see clearly what emerges from Brussels.
Is this an unknown quantity?
It is not really, but the Deputy will appreciate that we cannot buy a pig in a poke. We have to wait until the package is finalised by the Council of Ministers and by the Commission and then if funds are needed certainly we will make them available to implement this.
The following questions have gone to written reply: Questions Nos. 29, 30, 31, 32, 36, 37 and 38.