asked the Minister for Health if any reduction of funds from the European Social Fund to the rehabilitation services took place in 1984 or will take place in 1985 and 1986.
73.
Written Answers. - Funding of Rehabilitation Services.
72.
asked the Minister for Health if it is proposed to reduce the funding from the European Social Fund to the North Western Health Board for 1984, 1985 and 1986 and, if so, if he is aware that this will mean the suspension of the development of services for the mentally handicapped and that some sheltered workshops within the region will have to be closed down in 1986.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together.
Under the rules of the European Social Fund grants are available from the fund only in respect of the costs of training the handicapped for open employment. Sheltered workshop programmes are not, therefore, eligible activities under the rules of the fund.
Because of greater demands on the fund and the more stringent application of this criterion by the Commission of the European Communities it has been necessary, following a detailed assessment of the applications by the National Rehabilitation Board, to reduce claims for all health boards in respect of 1984 and 1985. No decisions have, however, yet been taken by the Commission on the final amounts to be paid for these years. Applications for 1986 have not yet been formulated. While I am conscious that any reductions will create difficulties for workshops I am hoping that they will not require any significant restriction in services.