Material requested by the Commission
Bruton said the Commission had requested further material on the draft programme, and he could not give a submission date. The Government would seek to resolve matters quickly so work could begin.
The Council regulation in question was only adopted in December 1985 which is not that long ago considering that one is dealing with very large capital projects. The work is continuing at present on the preparation of the programme. A first draft was received from Bord Gáis Éireann and was discussed with the EC Commission at the end of May. Work is now in progress in providing the additional material requested by the Commission at that meeting.
Comment on this
Can the Minister give any indication of when the Department will be able to submit that material to the EC?
Comment on this
No. It depends on being able to come forward with satisfactory answers to questions posed by the Commission who, after all, have to approve the allocation of funds. They have to be satisfied that as the authorities here have also to be satisfied. I can, however, assure the Deputy and the House that the Government will do everything in their power through all of the agencies to bring this matter to a speedy conclusion to enable work to commence as soon as possible.