Vol. 509 No. 4
353 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the need for transitional rollover arrangements to be put in place in relation to the ESF funded STEP programme; and if he will provide details of these transitional arrangements. [20487/99]
My Department has forwarded proposals for inclusion in the national development plan for 2000-06, which is currently being finalised by the Department of Finance. One of the key objectives of the proposals submitted, is combating social exclusion, including the provision of programmes for early school leavers. The Community Support Framework for 2000-06, will not be formulated until the national development plan has been completed and submitted to the European Commission.
My Department does not fund the STEP programme operated by the YMCA, but facilitates the transmission of ESF aid to the project as and when it is received under the Operational Programme for Human Resources 1994-99. There are therefore no plans to provide transitional support for the project while a new round of EU funds is being negotiated.
As regards the forthcoming Community Support Framework for 2000-06, it is not possible at this stage to say which specific programmes will be included. However, the Deputy will appreciate that there are many competing demands for the reduced level of aid under the next community support framework.
