asked the Minister for Health the present position regarding the European Social Fund and European Regional Fund support to current and capital health expenditure by the State; the way in which this is calculated, spent and recouped; and the proposals which have been made in the overall submissions in the national and regional plans to be submitted to Brussels in the health context.
Written Answers. - European Funds.
213.
The European Social Fund (ESF) as it applies to the health services supports vocational training operations for the handicapped population. Under existing EC Structural Funds regulations the ESF contributes a maximum 55 per cent support of total eligible expenditure, including the capital depreciation costs of existing training workshops, in respect of vocational training for the handicapped. The existing European Regional Development Fund Regulations do not allow for assistance in regard to capital depreciation on training workshops.
The 1989 ESF application in respect of the handicapped is £27.5 million and has been submitted to Brussels under the existing system.
The various health agencies, including health boards and voluntary bodies, receive the ESF moneys after clearance for payment by the Commission. The funds support a wide range of activities for the disabled, including day centres, training operations etc.
In regard to the revised structural funds arrangements, a national vocational training plan, is being prepared by my Department, in consultation with the appropriate Government Departments and the training agencies in the health sector, so that the greatest possible advantage will be gathered by the health services from the new arrangements. The Deputy will be aware that those arrangements are being negotiated at present between member states and the European Commission.