Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 7

Written Answers. - EU Funding.

Bertie Ahern

Question:

336 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Minister for Social Welfare the EU funding received by his Department in 1996; the funding which it expects to receive in 1997; and the relevant funds and budget lines under which such funding is received. [8028/97]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

Apart from some £35,500 received in 1996 towards the cost of Ireland's Presidency, the EU funding received by my Department relates to the community development and social inclusion elements of the EU peace and reconciliation programme, which is funded through the European Structural Funds. The Combat Poverty Agency, a statutory agency under the aegis of my Department, in co-operation with Area Development Management limited, has full responsibility for the management and administration of three measures under the peace programme. These measures are:

Measure 3.4	Cross-Border Community Reconciliation
Measure 4.1	Developing Grass Roots Capacity and Promoting the inclusion of women
Measure 4.4	Promoting the Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups.

Under the programme, £0.402 million was provided in EU Structural Funds in 1996 and an estimated £5.4 million will be provided this year. This funding is provided to the Combat Poverty Agency via this Department. The Exchequer's 25 per cent contribution to the programme in 1996 was £0.134 million and will be £1.8 million this year; these amounts are provided for in this Department's Estimates.