asked the Minister for Finance if the areas which qualify for grant aid from the European Regional Development Fund in respect of the provision of amenities including water sports, angling works, etc., will be extended to include the severely handicapped areas of the western counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I presume the Deputy is referring to the possibility of extending to the western counties aid at present granted from the non-quota section of the European Regional Development Fund for amenities in the Border counties. I am afraid that this would not be possible under the EEC Regulation governing the granting of the aid.

When the non-quota section of the fund was being introduced in 1979 it was apparent that Ireland would be unlikely to benefit. Ireland's agreement to the introduction of the non-quota section was dependent upon an assurance from the Council that aid would be provided to deal with Border problems in the most deserving regions of the Community. Accordingly the regulation authorising the non-quota section aid for the provision of amenities including water sports, angling works etc. in Ireland relates exclusively to Irish Border areas and may not be extended outside those areas.

Can the Minister give any indication whether the total funds available in this area are being expended? Are they being utilised? Are funds available in this area that have not been spent and, in view of that, if there are substantial amounts would it be desirable to extend the areas into the severely handicapped regions?

The regulations adopted in 1979 governing the setting up of the non-quota section made provision in relation to Ireland in order to meet specific needs that were put forward at that stage. As far as the other parts of the Deputy's question are concerned, he is asking about the total amount available and whether that will be used up. As I said a few minutes ago, I answered that question last week for Deputy Leonard.