asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has for Ireland under the five-year EEC experimental programme to improve transport in the Community.

: Ireland, in common with the other member states, submitted a number of projects of potential Community interest to the EEC Commission for inclusion in a three to five year transport infrastructure experimental programme. I should stress that at this stage the programme is purely experimental and in course of formation and that no decision has yet been taken regarding the availability of Community aid for any of the developments envisaged in the programme or the percentage of the cost of any project to be provided from Community resources. I shall endeavour to secure the maximum aid possible for Irish projects in whatever measures are eventually adopted in this area by the Council of Transport Ministers.

: Is there any indication that EEC money would be available for the Rosslare-Dublin-Belfast route?

: As the Deputy will be aware, the Commission propose to recommend that a portion of that route would qualify for grants. I think that what they first of all have in mind is the portion in the vicinity of Dublin Airport.

: Will the Minister agree that if the whole route Rosslare-Dublin-Belfast were developed with EEC aid it would bring benefits not merely commercially and economically but also politically to the east coast?

: I accept fully what the Deputy has said and he can be assured that I will continue the efforts made by him and other of my predecessors in this regard.