Development issues and Objective 1 structural measures in Ireland. Report

In adopting the report by Mr Gerard COLLINS (RDE), Parliament notes that the first stage of the Community support framework (1989-1993) made a significant contribution to the development of Ireland. It therefore approves the increase in resources for the second stage (1994-1999), which has already started, and the main priorities of the second CSF, i.e. the strengthening of the manufacturing sector and the development of human resources. Parliament calls for priority to be given to the fight against long-term unemployment, which is high in Ireland, by increasing the funding earmarked for social infrastructure measures so as to open up new education, training and employment opportunities for women. It also calls for improved take-up of the new options for assisting the disabled. In order to foster the future economic development of Ireland, the EP calls for measures to diversify the farming industry, modernize the fisheries and aquaculture sector and support the establishment of a year-round tourist industry. It emphasizes the vital need to move towards the completion of road, rail, port and airport infrastructures giving priority to environmentally-sound transport systems. Finally, it reiterates its commitment to the implementation of the PEACE programme and stresses the importance of cross-border cooperation between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The EP also calls for a redefinition of eligibility for Objective 1, making unemployment a priority criterion. �