asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline the methodology and expected results of the rural ventures training initiative for which SFADCo has been approved for £237,000 in European Social Fund assistance; and if other parts of Ireland can qualify for similar help.
Written Answers. - Rural Ventures Training.
84.
According to the information furnished to my Department in connection with the application for assistance from the European Social Fund, the purpose of the pilot project was to test the feasibility of creating on-farm and off-farm enterprises in under-developed communities by developing small scale agri-business and food processing projects over the three year period, ended 31 December, 1987. Representatives of rural co-opertives were trained in such activities as deer farming and the production of venison; geese farming; the cultivation of cranberries, blueberries and herbs, and foliage processing. A number of State agencies co-operated with SFADCo in providing the training. I understand that the final results of the project are still being evaluated by SFADCo.
It is open to other Irish organisations to apply to the European Social Fund for assistance for experimental projects relating to vocational training and job creation but the promoters in each particular case would have to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the European Commission that the project was innovatory and was likely to yield practical results.