asked the Minister for Labour the proportion and value of EEC Social Fund grants paid to Ireland which were in respect of operations in Dublin city and county, where there is the greatest number of employed persons in Ireland; and the prospects of obtaining increasing contributions from the Social Fund for the Dublin region.
Written Answers . - EEC Social Fund Grants .
722.
: The information requested by the Deputy in the first part of his question is not readily available as European Social Fund assistance is granted on the basis of applications from different organisations for country-wide operations. However, I will try to obtain the information requested, from the organisations concerned, and I will write to the Deputy in the matter.
Regarding the prospects of obtaining increased Social Fund assistance for the Dublin region, I would point out that the amount of fund assistance approved for the country generally has increased each year since we joined the EEC. A considerable amount of that assistance has gone towards programmes carried out in the Dublin area. The prospects of obtaining increased assistance for Dublin will depend on the extent to which eligible programmes are promoted by organisations in the area. The assistance of my Department will continue to be available in that regard.