asked the Minister for Labour if he agrees with the provision whereby a minimum of 75 per cent of the European Social Fund is earmarked for young persons under 25 years of age.
Written Answers. - European Social Fund.
48.
The legal provision, whereby a minimum of 75 per cent of the European Social Fund was earmarked for operations for young persons, expires on 31 December 1989. Under the new regulations governing the ESF from 1 January 1990, there is no specific distinction in the budget of the Fund between young persons and adults.
The provision earmarking 75 per cent for young persons was adopted by the Council in 1983, when youth unemployment was a growing phenomenon throughout the Community. In recent years, however, it has become clear that adult unemployment, and especially adult long-term unemployment, merited a higher priority and the provision in favour of under-25s has, therefore, been revoked. Youth unemployment still remains a priority category for ESF purposes.