asked the Minister for Finance if he will state his views regarding the future of county development teams; and the amount of money that was paid out of the western development fund during 1976 as a result of the initiative of county development teams.

I am satisfied that there will be a continuing need for the service provided by the county development teams which has proved very successful in stimulating economic development in western counties. In common with other official agencies engaged on development work, the organisation and functions of teams are kept under review to ensure maximum effectiveness.

The amount of grants paid from the special regional development fund in 1976 was £332,508.

33.