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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 May 1993

Vol. 430 No. 5

Written Answers. - Job Creation Funding Allocation.

Liz O'Donnell

Ceist:

68 Ms. O'Donnell asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to ensure that the EC funding available for job creation will be divided equally among the regions.

I assume, that, in referring to EC funding, the Deputy is referring to the funding that will be made available under the EC Structural Funds and Cohesion Fund. The current Community Support Framework for EC Structural Funds will expire at the end of 1993. The preparation of a new National Development Plan which will form the basis of negotiation with the EC Commission of the next Community Support Framework for the post-1993 period is under way. The central objective is to have a plan focused on generating sustainable employment and growth.

As part of the preparation of the plan, I invited the seven sub-regional review committees to make submissions giving their views on the strategy and priorities that would best meet the needs of their region. I am very happy to have received detailed submissions from all the committees. These are being examined carefully both by myself and other Ministers and our officials as part of the process of preparing the National Development Plan.

In selecting strategies which will maximise the development of sustainable employment and growth we will be very conscious of the necessity for balanced regional development.

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

70 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Finance the fuel which is used in the heating system for the Houses of the Oireachtas; and his views on whether the heating system should be properly and adequately controlled rather than by ventilation through open windows.

The fuel used to heat the Houses of the Oireachtas is natural gas.

The whole question of the quality of heating and ventilation in the Houses of the Oireachtas is currently being examined as part of a wider review of physical conditions in this complex. The review is being carried out by the Office of Public Works in conjunction with the Houses of the Oireachtas management and will lead to the implementation of a programme of works over the next few years which will include improvement of the heating systems.

The review is well advanced. It is hoped to finalise a programme of works very soon.

In anticipation of the agreement of a formal works programme, the Office of Public Works is currently preparing contract documentation for the installation of an air conditioning system in the Dáil Chamber. Work is expected to proceed this year.
Of course, before any of this work proceeds, the proposed programme of works, including the air conditioning of the Dáil Chamber, will be placed before the Committee on Procedure and Privileges for its approval.
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