asked the Minister for Labour the amount of EEC funds actually expended last year in aid of AnCO programmes; and whether this figure represents the total amount that the EEC were prepared to grant.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - AnCO Programmes Expenditure.
18.
In 1974 the European Commission approved of grants totalling £2,479,300 to AnCO from the European Social Fund for the carrying out of its programmes in that year. Expenditure was undertaken by AnCO in anticipation of receipt of this money. AnCO have to date received £1,647,635 of the fund allocation and it is hoped that the balance outstanding will be received in the near future.
The amount approved represents 50 per cent, the maximum allowable under fund regulations, of the cost of the AnCO programmes deemed by the Commission, after consultation with the advisory European Social Fund Committee, to be eligible under the regulations and criteria governing the administration of the fund.
19.
asked the Minister for Labour the total amount of money spent on AnCO in the year ended 31st December, 1974; and the proportion of this money that was made available from EEC funds.
AnCO's total expenditure in 1974, including capital expenditure, amounted to £6,642,415. The European Social Fund grant approved in respect of AnCO activities in 1974 amounted to £2,479,300, of which £1,647,635 has been paid to date.
Is the Minister aware of the recent report by the NESC regarding the inadequacy of skilled labour in certain classifications? Has he any comments?
That is a separate question.
I am not so sure, Sir. Surely it is linked with AnCO.
The Deputy asked the question about the money available to AnCO from EEC funds.
I will rephrase my question. In view of the report to which I have already referred, what changes does the Minister intend making? Is he making extra money available so that AnCO can cover the urgent training of skills required for industrial development?
As the Deputy knows, we have the largest number of people under training in the State's history, and we will continue to look at the situation. Our training programme should absorb as many of the unemployed as possible in periods of severe unemployment. That continues to be our policy, and in the current year more people will be under training than ever before.
Have the present difficulties with regard to the instructors in AnCO been cleared up? Has the Minister any statement to make?
That is a separate matter.
Surely it refers to training?
The Deputy is enlarging on the question.
I am sure the Minister would like to comment.
I will be pleased to answer any questions.
Has the situation been solved or is there any hope for a solution?
Níl fhios aige.
Tá fhios agam, ach níl aon fonn ormsa labhairt anseo.
Níl aon fonn ort?
Níl, ar an t-abhar sin.
Cad na thaobh?