At the outset I wish to apologise on behalf of the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Eithne Fitzgerald, who is unable to attend in the House to reply to this matter.
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 on the next Community Support Framework for the post-1993 period, is under way. Considerable work has been undertaken to date both within Government Department and State agencies and by the many other groups and organisations with an interest in this area.
In May 1992 the seven sub-regional review committees set up to review implementation of the Structural Funds were formally invited to make submissions containing their views on the content and strategy of the next plan, CSF and operational programmes in so far as they would affect each sub-region. Funding was provided to the committees to employ consultants to assist in the preparation of their submissions and to hold briefing seminars to which interested groups in the sub-region were invited. The review committees forwarded their submission to the Department of Finance in October and November of last year. These submissions are being examined by the Department and have also been circulated to other relevant Departments so that they can be taken fully into account in the planning work under way.
The south-east submissions set out a development strategy to build on the subregion's strength and address its disadvantages with a view to ensuring the best contribution towards sustainable employment and growth. The submissions draw particular attention to deficiencies in the areas of transport, communications and sanitary services infrastructure. Specific projects mentioned, such as the high level bridge, have been referred to the relevant Ministers for consideration in drawing up sectoral proposals.
The Minister of State at the Department of Finance with particular responsibility for the National Development Plan met the different committees, including the South-East Committee, to discuss their submissions. In the light of the large demands in relation to funds likely to be available, the committees were asked to identify their key priorities. The additional submission from the south-east on these priorities has now been received and it includes particular priorities in relation to infrastructure and makes specific reference to the needs of Waterford city, including the high level bridge.
In addition to the submissions from the sub-regional review committees there are other inputs into the planning process. Government Departments were asked to prepare proposals in relation to their various sectors. In May 1992 the social partner organisations represented on the Central Review Committee were invited to make submissions on their views on the content and strategy of the next plan, community support framework and operational programmes. The Chambers of Commerce of Ireland and the Council for the Status of Women were also invited to make submissions. Submissions have been received and are being examined in detail in the various Departments concerned with a view to taking them into account in the preparation of the plan.
A number of other organisations have made submissions on their views in relation to the content of the next plan and/or have met departmental officials to discuss their views. A group of consultants led by the ESRI were engaged in early October to carry out an evaluation of the CSF 1989-93 and to make recommendations for strategies and priorities for the next national development plan. Discussions are ongoing with the EC Commission on the strategic choices and priorities as perceived by them and on the strengthening of material in relation to evaluation and indicators.
We have agreed with Northern Ireland that a joint co-operative approach should be incorporated in both our plans. The Department of Finance and the Northern Ireland Department of Finance and personnel have held a number of meetings to discuss how this concept can best be advanced. Other relevant Departments North and South have been in contact with each other in order to identify where their proposals contain complementary elements or elements which can be implemented on a joint basis. These interdepartmental contacts are continuing.
In the light of the various consultations and inputs the Government is now preparing the draft national development plan with a view to finalising its work around the end of June. The central objective of the Government will be the creation of sustainable employment and growth. In this context the Government is very anxious that the measures chosen will tackle the particular problem of long term unemployment. In selecting the strategies that best meet these objectives the focus will have to be on the long term return to the economy from the investments included and on getting the best value for money possible.
The demands for the funds from the various Departments amount to more than double any likely funds available. If one adds the demands from various groups, it is clear that very difficult choices will have to be made in choosing the optimal mix of investments for inclusion in the final plan. In finalising the plan the Government will seek to ensure balanced regional development. The needs of Waterford and the south-east, as set out in detail in the sub-regional committee's submission, along with the needs of other areas throughout the country, will be fully taken into account.
