asked the Minister for Finance if the continuation of the special Border counties fund is being negotiated with the EC at this time.
29.
Written Answers. - Special Border Areas Programme Fund.
26.
asked the Minister for Finance if the special Border areas fund is being negotiated when the present scheme expires at the end of the year.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 29 together. I assume the Deputy is referring to the Special Border Areas Programme Fund which was established in 1981 to finance a five year special border areas programme for the development of tourism and craft industry in the Border counties. As that programme is due to cease in December 1985 the question of negotiating a continuation of the fund to finance expenditure on those activities does not arise.
However the Council of the European Communities is at present considering a proposal from the Commission which, if accepted by the Council, would involve the granting of about £23 million in aid towards the provision of a natural gas supply, and related measures, to viable centres in the Border counties.