Vol. 521 No. 6
89 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Finance if the negotiations with the EU on the community support framework for the National Development Plan 2000-2006 are close to agreement; and the likely timetable for agreement on the operational programmes. [17839/00]
Negotiations with the European Commission on the community support framework, CSF, for Ireland on the EU co-financed elements of the National Development Plan 2000-2006 have concluded. We understand from the Commission that the agreement in principle of the Commission to the CSF will be forthcoming on 26 June and that they will formally approve the CSF in early July upon conclusion of the consultation process with the various standing committees provided for under the Structural Funds regulations.
The draft operational programmes were all submitted to the Commission at the end of April/May. Negotiations with the Commission on the operational programmes are expected to commence before the end of this month and to conclude in the early autumn.
