asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is intended to take steps to keep in operation any of the projects funded under the Second European Programme to Combat Poverty when funding for the current programme expires at the end of November 1989, especially in view of the valuable work done by many of the projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Second European Programme to Combat Poverty.
18.
The main aim of the Second EC Poverty Programme was to initiate concrete activities based on joint themes of research and innovation which would bring forward practical proposals for dealing with poverty. A total of nine Irish projects participated in the Programme.
The Government is maintaining its commitment in this area through their participation in the Third EC Poverty Programme which is to commence next month. The aim of the new Programme is to tackle the problems of poverty in an integrated manner by involving all of the relevant statutory, voluntary, community and private agencies in the areas concerned. This process of selective development represents a logical progression from the action research nature of the Second Programme. The level of funding for this new Programme has been significantly increased although it will involve a much smaller number of projects as compared with the present Programme.
A number of the projects participating in the Second Programme have applied for funding under the Third Programme. Some of those involved have been included in the list of projects submitted by the Government to the Commission for funding. Discussions are currently taking place between the remaining applicants and the Combat Poverty Agency with a view to formulating revised proposals for funding outside of the European Poverty Programme.