asked the Minister for Finance the conditions for drawing down money from the Global Fund under 2052/88, item 6; those who are entitled to it; and the means by which they apply.
Written Answers. - Global Fund.
76.
Article 6 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 4254/88 laying down provisions for implementing Regulation (EEC) No. 2052/88 as regards the European Regional Development Fund provides that the Commission may entrust to appropriate intermediaries, designated by the member states in agreement with the Commission, the management of global grants, which shall be used primarily to assist local development initiatives. Decentralised public bodies may be designated as intermediaries for this purpose provided they have the necessary organisational structure at regional and local level.
The procedures for the use of global grants are to be agreed between the Commission, the member state and the intermediary. These procedures shall detail the following: types of measures to be carried out, the criteria for choosing beneficiaries, the conditions and rates of ERDF assistance and arrangements for monitoring the use of the grants.
My Department are currently in consultation with the Commission on how these provisions might be implemented. In the circumstances, I am not in a position at this stage to give details of the conditions which will apply. I can say, however, that the measures which may be financed by way of global grants will be low cost. They could include assistance for studies of the local development potential or measures to provide business advice services.