I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 55 and 57 together.
There has been no delay in submitting operational programmes for the seven sub-regions designated by the Government for purposes of EC Structural Funds. The preparation of these programmes has been in train since October last. The regulations under which they can be submitted to the European Commission for funding, however, were adopted in December 1988 and only came into effect from 1 January 1989. Under these regulations, we must first submit a national development plan to the Commission — by 31 March 1989. The programmes will set out in more detail how the general development strategy identified in the plan will be implemented. We intend to submit the programmes at the same time as the national development plan, or soon afterwards.
The Government have set in place the arrangements which were outlined by the previous Minister for Finance, Mr. Ray MacSharry, in reply to a Dáil Question on 25 October 1988 to ensure that local elected representatives are provided an opportunity to make an input to the preparation of the operational programmes. The membership of the advisory groups established in each of the seven subregions includes the chairpersons of the main local authorities in each area. These advisory groups are being given an opportunity to review the sub-regional programmes as they are being drafted and they can also make their own submissions for consideration in connection with the preparation of the programmes. The presence of county managers on the working groups preparing the programmes provides further scope for the views of members to be reflected in the inputs of their councils to the programmes. Direct submissions can also be made by any person for consideration by the various groups.
I am satisfied that these arrangements comply fully with the requirements of the relevant EC regulations. At the discussions held between a delegation of Government Ministers and EC Commissioners in Brussels on 16 January 1989, the Commission welcomed these arrangements.
It is not the Government's intention to submit the programmes to Dáil Éireann for approval in advance of submission to the European Commission. The question of publication of the national plan and the operational programmes will be considered at a later stage.