asked the Minister for Education the extent to which third level colleges may apply for ESF funding; the number of colleges which do so apply; and the extent to which colleges fail to avail of such funding.
Written Answers. - European Social Fund.
46.
The European Social Fund is operated under specific regulations adopted by the Council of Ministers of the European Community and in accordance with management guidelines adopted by the Commission of the European Community. These regulations and guidelines govern the nature and extent of eligibility and priority available from the ESF for member state measures in the area of vocational training and promotion of employment.
Accordingly, funds are only made available by the European Social Fund in respect of those programmes of vocational training or other measures submitted by member states which satisfy the specific requirements of the guidelines and regulations. In so far as vocational training programmes sponsored by my Department are concerned, aid is at present being sanctioned in respect of a middle level technician programme which is operated in regional technical colleges and colleges of technology.
I understand that aid has been sanctioned also in recent years in respect of vocational training projects of an innovatory character conducted in institutions of higher education.