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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 Dec 1998

Vol. 497 No. 5

Written Answers - EU Funding.

Dick Spring

Ceist:

196 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Finance the adjustments, if any, he will make to the existing regional administrative framework to accommodate the inclusion of counties Kerry and Clare in the application recently submitted to the European Commission for Objective One status for these counties. [25598/98]

As indicated in the press release issued on 17 November last in connection with the issue of regionalisation, the Government has decided to make an application for a change of Ireland's current status as a single region to one comprising two regions. One of these regions would comprise the regional authority areas of the Border, the midlands and the west — now to include Clare and Kerry. This application, which was submitted to EUROSTAT last week, encompassed the proposed inclusion of Clare and Kerry in the west regional authority area. Before decisions are taken on the final shape of a revised regional structure, this issue will be discussed with the Commission and will also take account of the views of regional interests. I would like to stress that a major consideration in this regard is that the efficient and effective administration and management of Structural Funds investment, for which Ireland justly enjoys a high reputation, must not be jeopardised, particularly in the coming period of declining overall assistance from Europe.

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