Jim Higgins
Question:170 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education if it is proposed to expand the scope of the European Social Fund grants scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - ESF Grant Scheme.
The programme of support negotiated under the European Community Support Framework provided for an expansion of ESF-aided third level programmes to cater for 19,600 students by 1993. This threshold was, in fact, reached by 1990. Since then a further 2,600 have joined the same programmes for whom no ESF support is available. The full costs of these students must be met by the Exchequer at an annual cost of £10 million.
The question of expanding the scope of the ESF grants scheme does not arise as no additional ESF aid is available under the existing agreement on the use of the Structural Funds which expires on 31 December 1993.
A new agreement will come into operation in January 1994 which, it is anticipated, will provide for a substantial increase in funds for the ESF supported programmes.