asked the Minister for Transport the EEC aid which is being sought for the improvement of rail networks.

An application for assistance from the European Regional Development Fund for the electrification of the Howth-Bray line was submitted to the Commission on 29 January 1980. I understand that a decision on the application will be made shortly. No other formal application for assistance from EEC sources in connection with the improvement of the rail network has been made since 1974, when a loan of £4 million was obtained by CIE from the European Investment Bank.

Is the application for a specific amount or is it just a general application?

The application for the electrification of the Howth-Bray line was submitted to the commission on 29 January 1980. The total capital cost of the project is estimated at about £53 million, which includes £25,245,000 in respect of rolling stock. The commission shortly expect to approve a contribution of £5,478,000 towards the cost of the project in the period 1980-81. The total estimated expenditure in this period will amount to £27,863,000, including £9.603 million on rolling stock. The commission's contribution will be limited to 30 per cent of the expenditure incurred on the project exclusive of the cost of rolling stock. A second application for additional assistance will be made in 1982.

Are the terms of the support coming from the EEC related to the finalisation of the negotiations with Linke Hoffman Busche? If that is the case can the Minister indicate when those negotiations may be finalised?

I am not aware from the information available to me that they are tied in with Linke Hoffman Busche.

When will the negotiations be finalised with Linke Hoffman Busche?

I am not in a position to say at this point in time.

Is there any difficulty in relation to those negotiations that the Minister is not in a position to say? Is it likely that the negotiations might break down if the Minister cannot say at this stage when the negotiations will be concluded?

Negotiations are going on within CIE at the moment in relation to that particular project as well as other projects.

Can I assume, despite the fact that the Minister does not know when these negotiations will be concluded, the timetable for the commencement of the rapid rail——

The question on the Order Paper has nothing whatever to do with these negotiations. The Deputy has expanded the question.

I think it is related.

The question asked if EEC aid is being sought for particular networks.