andMr. Deasy asked the Minister for Fisheries if the European Commission made any proposals to the Council of Ministers regarding harbour improvements in this country; and, if so, if he will give details of the proposals.

: The EEC Commission have not made specific proposals to the Council of Ministers regarding fishery harbour improvements in this country. However, assistance is available under the European Regional Development Fund for certain types of infrastructural investments including, in certain cases, harbour development works.

: Have we got any of that aid yet?

: We have. Under the FEOGA fund we have had certain help towards harbours but since the May meeting of the Council of Agricultural Ministers the Commission have been instructed to submit proposals for a harbour policy for the Community as a whole. The Commission are awaiting those proposals now. It is only since May of this year that they started to tackle this matter.

: Will any of that aid be coming this year?

: I have no indication. I would like to expedite it. I will give what I have here now. A preliminary meeting has already been held with the Commission officials and a further meeting is planned for next month. This, of course, will be done on a Community basis and we hope to be beneficiaries of it.

: Will the Minister be represented personally at those meetings?

: Yes, very much so.