asked the Minister for Lands if he will make a statement on the extent and type of EEC aid for land consolidation measures in Ireland under regulation 17/64/EEC.

The position as ascertained recently in discussions with EEC officials in Brussels is that heretofore in order to qualify for subvention from EEC funds under this regulation projects in relation to structural reform should normally be initiated and executed by the beneficiaries with assistance from the Government of the member state. The beneficiaries should provide at least 20 per cent of the cost. Apparently it is the intention of the EEC Commission that future aid from EEC funds for land structural purposes should be provided within the framework of the directives on land structural reform Nos. 159/72 and 160/72.

Can the Minister indicate when he expects to have proposals ready for submission to the EEC which would leave us in a position to avail of the aid referred to?

I do not think that arises out of the question.

Question No. 32.

It arises directly. The question concerns EEC aid and I have asked the Minister how and when that aid will be available to us.

The Deputy asked about the directive 17/64/EEC which is now, we understand, not to be availed of at all.

What the Minister said was that aid under that directive would now be available in the context of the directives. Can the Minister tell me when he is to avail of that aid?

I said that aid for land structure purposes would be available under directives Nos. 159/72 and 160/72.