Vol. 491 No. 6
71 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the independent review, if any, of training courses organised under the Horizon programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13018/98]
The Irish implementation of the Horizon strand of the EU employment initiative was independently reviewed through a mid-term evaluation conducted for my Department in 1997 by Fitzpatrick Associates Economic Consultants. The initiative is used in this and in all other EU countries to support innovative projects aimed at finding new ways of upgrading the employment potential of several specific social groups at risk of mariginalization or exclusion. The initial 1994 focus of the Horizon strand was divided between the disabled and socially disadvantaged. From 1997 the latter group was addressed through a separate Integra strand leaving the Horizon one focused totally on the disabled. The projects supported under the initial call in 1995 which have now ended and those chosen for funding over the 1998 and 1999 period have involved a wide range of activities including training. The implementation of the recommendations arising from the Fitzpatrick Associates report is continuing in conjunction with the various technical support units contracted to my Department to deliver the administration of the various initiative strands including Horizon.
