asked the Minister for Agriculture if any decision has been taken by the Government concerning launching the special EEC 10-year agricultural restructuring programme for the west of Ireland and if moneys have been allocated for this programme which is scheduled to start next year.

A decision on the EEC Commission's proposals for improving agricultural structures in the west of Ireland has not yet been taken by the Council of Ministers, and Government action here in relation to the implementation of the measures must await such a decision. The Council have agreed to take decisions on these and certain other agricultural structural proposals by 31 December next, and I will be doing my utmost to ensure that this deadline will be met.

Has the Minister given any answer to the latter part of the question as to whether any money has been provided——

No.

——for this programme which is scheduled to start next year?

Is the Deputy talking about the structural programme?

Yes.

That has yet to be considered by the Council of Ministers.

Have we any——

Before we can make any plans in that regard we have to know what the scheme will contain.

Are we anticipating what is going to happen by virtue of our public indications that such a programme is coming? If we do not clarify in our minds what we are going to do for next year how can we indicate to the public that something is coming next year?

It has been public knowledge since Commissioner Gundelach announced his intention of introducing it about a year ago.

Will it start next year?

I hope so. However, the Council——

Question No. 18.

However, the Council at their July meeting made a resolution to finish this business before the end of December, probably at the December Council.