Mary O'Rourke
Question:283 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the reason for the delay in payment of an EU grant to an organisation (details supplied). [16391/95]
Written Answers. - Grant Payment Delay.
In accordance with the governing Regulations, assistance from the European Social Fund is paid by the European Commission in three instalments: a 50 per cent advance on the annual funding is paid at the commencement of the project; 30 per cent on certification that at least half of the 50 per cent advance has been expended; and the outstanding amount, up to 20 per cent of the total commitment, is applied for in a final claim which must be lodged within six months of the completion of activities.
The amount of European Social Fund money owing to AONTAS represents the final payment to a pilot project under the NOW (New Opportunities for Women) Initiative. Final claims in respect of all the 33 projects funded under NOW had to be completed and submitted to my Department before a final claim could be transmitted to the European commission.
The final claim was submitted to the European Commission several months ago. My Department has been in regular contact with Commission officials urging the early release of moneys for the NOW Initiative to alleviate the financial difficulties being encountered by project promoters. Payment is expected in the near future.
I will keep the Deputy informed of developments.