Dáil Éireann - Volume 345 - 15 November, 1983

Written Answers. - Kerry Development Programme.

375. Mr. J. O'Leary asked the Minister for Finance if he will forward an integrated development programme for South-West Kerry, as prepared, to the Commission of the European Communities for appropriate action including financial aid at the maximum rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. Dukes): South-West Kerry is already included under the general programme for western development which is being assisted from the EAGGF Guidance Section. As I indicated in reply to a similar question from Deputy O'Leary in February 1983, I am not in favour of submitting development programmes for limited geographical areas of the country for special European Community action since the whole country is treated as a single region for purposes of Community Regional Policy. The financial assistance received from the Community under the Regional Fund is used mainly to finance national [2249] programmes of infrastructural expenditure which benefit the country as a whole and the developmental needs of particular areas of the country must be considered in the context of overall national priorities.