Vol. 506 No. 5
57 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the delay in payment of EU funded research and development measure 1 grants to small and medium sized enterprises; and if she will ensure that these delays are eliminated. [15785/99]
The measure 1 industry research and development initiative grants are funded jointly by the EU and the private sector. There is no Exchequer support involved.
There are strict financial management and control systems now in operation following the introduction of Commission Regulation 2064/97. Our financial management and controls systems must provide satisfactory certification of the validity of claims for payments. It is also necessary to be certain that operations financed by the EU have been properly carried out.
While there was some delay in payments in the recent past, I understand that payments have now been brought up to date. I can assure the Deputy that delays, if and when they occur, will be kept to a minimum.
