I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 23 together.
The European Council recently agreed a funding package of Community support for the 2000-06 period. While the outcome for Ireland was good given the extreme difficulty of the negotiations, the level of EU Structural Funds available over that period will be approximately half that available to Ireland under the current Community Support Framework.
Work has already commenced on agreeing priorities for EU co-funding under Ireland's next national development plan and on clarifying the Commission's new procedures for the next round of Structural Funds. There is a separate national consultation process to be undergone, inclusive of the social partners, while the creation of new authorities for the two new regions and the possibility of regional operational programmes adds further necessary layers to the planning process. Until such time as this overall process is completed, it is difficult to give any indication of the likely levels of EU financial commitments and programmes, including their commitment to current EU-funded programmes.
The Government will not be deflected from its commitment to tackle social exclusion in deprived areas and to ensure that the overall objectives of current programmes remain a priority. In particular, good work has already been done by the partnerships and ADM-supported community groups in developing a new and innovative area-based approach, which is currently being considered in the context of ongoing work on local government reform.