Patrick D. Harte
Question:182 Mr. Harte asked the Minister for Education the funding status for the North-West Community Development Institute for the period 1994-1999.
Written Answers. - County Donegal Vocational Education Committee Courses.
During the periods 1987-89 and 1990-93 ESF aid was approved in respect of a range of courses provided by County Donegal Vocational Education Committee through the agency of the North West Community Development Institute for a variety of enterprise and community groups and development associations.
The vocational education committee has again sought ESF aid for training programmes for the period 1994-99 to be operated under the auspices of the North West Community Development Institute. Following discussions with officials of my Department, information concerning the precise nature of the training programmes proposed for the period 1994-99 were submitted to my Department on 9 December 1993.
A preliminary examination of the proposals indicates that they do not justify the maintenance of a separate provision for County Donegal vocational education committee within my Department's Structural Funds allocation. Most of the activities identified for the institute for the period 1994-99 are programmes which can be undertaken by or in conjunction with other State-aided agencies or as part of the normal activity of the vocational education committee.
My Department will be in further contact with the vocational education committee in the matter at an early date.