asked the Minister for Local Government the cost of the Buchanan Report.

The Buchanan Report was commissioned and paid for by the United Nations. The study was carried out in association with An Foras Forbartha which contributed £2,500 towards the cost of a joint project which included also advising on a model development plan for Galway. An Foras Forbartha also provided some staff for the studies.

125.

asked the Minister for Local Government when the Government's decision or views on the Buchanan Report may be expected.

126.

asked the Minister for Local Government when a comprehensive report on regional development may be expected, which is now a matter of some urgency in view of the proposed entry to the EEC.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 126 together.

I would refer the Deputy to the statement which was issued on behalf of the Government on 19th May, 1969, when the Buchanan Report was published.

The statement indicated that the recommendations in the report relating to growth centres had wide implications and that they would have to be considered further in the context of proposals for regional development generally. My Department, with the aid of an inter-departmental committee, have undertaken a review of regional planning taking account of the Buchanan Report, of the reports on various other studies and, in particular, of the submissions made by the nine regional development organisations. The review is largely concerned with the question of aims and guidelines for the location of physical development between and within the regions, and is being carried out in close liaison with the Industrial Development Authority. This work will be completed in the near future when I expect to make recommendations to the Government in the light of all relevant considerations, including the prospect of EEC membership.