asked the Minister for Finance the number of applications submitted to the European Investment Bank by (a) public authorities including semi-State bodies and (b) private persons; and if he will state the total value and the total granted so far under each heading.

Four formal applications in respect of projects in the public sector have been submitted to the European Investment Bank. Two of these applications have been approved involving a total investment of £26 million and total loans by the bank of £10.3 million.

As private enterprise may apply directly to the bank it is not possible to say how many applications have been made for projects in the private sector. No loans have been made so far for such projects.