Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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272. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on Ireland investing in the European Fund for Strategic Investments; his further views regarding Ireland potentially being left out of the steering board of EFSI if the fund is not invested in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4797/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware the legislative proposal for the European Fund for Strategic Infrastructure (EFSI) was only published on 13 January last. The Working Group discussions under the Latvian Presidency commenced as recently as 19 January and matters such as the Governance arrangements for the EFSI are an important part of those discussions. At this stage given the ongoing discussion amongst Member States on how the Governance of the fund should operate it is still an open question whether any Member States will participate at the level of the EFSI Steering Board. Regardless of this Ireland, like other Member States, is also giving close consideration to participation at the level of the Investment Platforms envisaged as part of the EFSI and through investment in individual projects which are of clear benefit to Ireland.