asked the Minister for Labour if, in respect of the existing social fund administered by the European Commission he will indicate the changes which will affect the operation of that fund as administered by his Department; if he proposes to consult with all of the traditional Irish beneficiary organisations of the social fund to discuss with them the way in which the changes will affect them and the way in which they can participate in the preparation of the alternative integrated programmes which will form the basis for the provision of financial assistance to such bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - EC Social Fund.
175.
The principal changes in the reformed European Social Fund which will affect its administration by my Department are, (1) the concentration of the new fund on the priority objectives set out in the Delors Plan, (2) closer co-ordination with the operation of the other Community Structural Funds, and (3) the move towards the application of fund assistance for programmes as opposed to individual projects.
Concentration on the priority objectives agreed for the Structural Funds will, in the case of the ESF, necessitate the preparation of separate plans for combating long term unemployment and the integration of young people into employment, as well as the training and related components of the overall plan for regional development. Consultations have taken place with the Irish organisations which are traditional beneficiaries of the ESF on the implications of pending changes in the operation of the fund and in connection with drawing up of the relevant plans. Further consultations with the organisations concerned will take place as necessary over the coming months.
176.
asked the Minister for Labour, in relation to the European Social Fund for 1986 and 1987 in respect of each organisation, the total amounts of money which they have received from the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The amounts of money received by the main beneficiaries from the European Social Fund in 1986 and 1987 are set out in the form of a tabular statement which I propose to circulate in the Official Report.
It is relevant to mention that ESF 1987 receipt figures generally are somewhat inflated because in that year substantial payments were made of arrears of grants approved for earlier years.
Tabular Statement of ESF Receipts
|
1986 |
1987 |
|
|
£million |
£million |
|
|
Organisation/Department |
||
|
AnCO |
57.72 |
90.45 |
|
National Manpower Services (NMS) of the Department of Labour |
9.09 |
15.19 |
|
Department of Education |
29.11 |
49.06 |
|
National Rehabilitation Board (NRB) on behalf of Health Boards and Voluntary Rehabilitation Bodies |
15.21 |
24.98 |
|
IDA |
5.82 |
3.55 |
|
CERT |
4.45 |
4.55 |
|
ACOT |
2.52 |
2.28 |
|
*Others |
3.68 |
3.44 |
|
127.60 |
193.50 |
*Include Aer Lingus, BIM (Bord Iascaigh Mara), ESB, IMI, SFADCo, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Youth Employment Agency.