asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department is pressing the EEC for the implementation of a scheme of cross-Border industrial development grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Cross-Border Industrial Development Grants.
671.
Minister for Foreign Affairs (Professor Dooge)
In the Joint Study on Economic Co-operation published on 11 November 1981 officials considered the subject of industrial development both bilateral and in the context of the two countries' common membership of the European Community. It was agreed by both the British and Irish sides that, to the extent that industrial development is dependent on the attraction of overseas investment, the scope for co-operation between Ireland and Northern Ireland is limited since it has to be recognised that both areas are in fact competitors in the search for and the attraction of internationally mobile industrial investment.
The joint study, however, noted that there is scope for co-operation in the encouragement of small industries and craft industries in Border areas and to this end informal discussions have taken place and are continuing between the Industrial Development Authority and the Northern Ireland Department of Commerce.
Provision is also made in the non-quota section of the European Regional Development Fund for grants and marketing aid for craft industries in the Border counties.