I presume that the Deputy is referring to the recommendation of the CSF Evaluator that there should be greater competition in the delivery of services under the Community Support Framework. He will also be aware, however, that, in the package on the mid-term review, the Commission and the Irish Government agreed that there were inherent risks as well as practical difficulties in attempting to introduce fundamental changes over a short period of time, especially so in programmes which are proving significantly successful in providing training for employment.
I am satisfied with the training being provided by CERT and the Department of Education and Science under Sub-Programme 4 of the Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-99 for which the European Social Fund provides 67 MECU in grant assistance. I do not believe it would be appropriate to change that method of delivery at this time, particularly as many of the key training courses provided run for periods of more than one academic year. As required by the CSF Monitoring Committee, my Department will examine the scope for implementing changes in the longer term.
