Vol. 444 No. 6
172 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if the EU Commission has decided, in the context of Ireland's community support framework, that EU aid to the proposed peat-fired power station must be subject to the production of satisfactory cost-benefit analysis by an independent expert; if so, the terms of reference, method of appointment and timescale for work of this independent expert.
As part of its consideration of Structural Fund assistance for the proposed new peat-fired power station, the EU Commission has requested that an independent socio-economic cost benefit analysis be carried out. Such an analysis is standard practice for all major projects.
The terms of reference for the study in general terms are: (a) to determine the overall social economic costs and benefits in terms of its regional impact and its impact generally and, (b) to consider the environmental impact of all aspects of the project.
A list of suitable consultants to undertake this project has been agreed with the Commission and these consultants have been asked to submit proposals for the study to my Department. The consultants appointed will be required to complete the work by mid-September, 1994.
173 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if his Department has received EU aid for technical assistance under the community support framework; and if so, the amount in the period 1989-1993.
In so far as my Department is concerned, EU aid for technical assistance, under the Community Support Framework 1989-1993, was only received under the peripherality operational programme; the aid was administered by the Department of the Environment, as lead Department for this operational programme, and is included in that Department's response to the above question.
175 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if his Department has received EU aid for technical assistance under the community support framework; and if so, the amount in the period 1989-1993.
Since its establishment in January, 1993, my Department has not received any EU aid or technical assistance.
