Vol. 406 No. 3
81 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health whether tighter rules for the allocation of European Social Fund moneys to special training-employment schemes for the disabled threaten the funding basis of such projects in Ireland; the number of schemes and participants who may be affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The rules governing eligibility for European Social Fund aid in respect of training schemes for the disabled have not altered. Indeed the allocation of ESF money for special training schemes has increased from £21.73 million in 1989 to £23.92 million in 1990 and it is expected that the training agencies will take up all of this money.
In addition, a new EC initiative called "Horizon" which is specifically aimed at improving vocational training and employment opportunities for disabled people and other disadvantaged groups has recently been published by the Commission. My Department, in consultation with the National Rehabilitation Board and the Department of Labour, are currently co-ordinating applications under this programme. While, as yet, there is no indication of Ireland's allocation for this programme, I am confident that it will further improve Ireland's vocational training programmes for the handicapped.
