Vol. 520 No. 4
19 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if, in regard to the £400 million allocated under the national development plan, under the sub-programmes, he will say the amount that has been drawn down so far; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15912/00]
The National Development Plan, 2000-2006, which was published in November 1999, contains a provision of £420 million over the next seven years for local development initiatives under the social inclusion sub-programme of the two regional operational programmes targeted at disadvantaged communities, drugs and young people at risk. The implementation arrangements have still to be finalised in agreement with the European Commission.
In the meantime, however, £1 million has already been drawn down by my Department to facilitate the smooth transition from the Operational Programme for Local, Urban and Rural Development to the new regional operational programmes, as outlined in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.
The Minister of State's reply is basically the same as that which was given in respect of a similar question on 18 April. What progress has been made in respect of the allocation of this considerable sum of money which is to be spent on the important matter of social inclusion? The concept of social inclusion is becoming increasingly more important, particularly given that many people are becoming marginalised and socially excluded. Is the Minister of State in a position to guarantee the House that every possible effort is being made to move this programme forward so that a presentation can be made to and approved by the European Union? Will he indicate if moneys can be disbursed pending approval from the EU?
The operational programme has already been submitted to the EU Commission by Ireland, but we have not yet obtained clearance in respect of it. However, as the programme was lodged at the appropriate time, all expenditure incurred this year will be eligible for support. The Department of Finance has advised us that it anticipates that approval will be issued by the EU Commission by the end of September or early October.
An allocation of £4 million was originally made but we have only drawn down £3 million. As already stated, these moneys can be used up if necessary. I met representatives of a number of the partnerships last week and asked them to submit their programmes by the end of July. Matters will then be brought to a conclusion in late September or early October. We do not foresee any difficulties in respect of funding but if such difficulties arise we will be in a position, if necessary, to deal with them.
Do the detailed programmes require approval from the EU or is such approval required for the overall elements of the national development plan? The Minister of State indicated that moneys could be drawn down and used in the current year. Will those moneys be substantial in nature? Will any worthwhile progress be made in the current year?
Approval is required for the operational programmes. We have asked the partnerships to try to submit their detailed plans by the end of July, at which point we can proceed with the programmes. However, it will be September or October before those plans are assessed. At that stage, we will have obtained a decision from Europe and everything should fall into place. The representatives of the partnerships with whom I have been in contact believe that matters are proceeding in the correct manner. However, I agree with the Deputy that we must ensure there is no delay in allocating funding to these important programmes in order to allow them to commence.
In view of the uncertainty surrounding a number of programmes and that youth services and sport are the greatest preventative elements in the fight against crime and drugs abuse, will the Minister of State indicate the current status of the proposed development of youth services under the partnerships? Has he given the partnerships any indication that, in tandem with the Department of Education and Science's youth service programme, they will be able to develop youth services in the deprived areas which have been designated? Is he aware that a number of partnerships have not been able to proceed with certain projects?
Youth services will develop innovative approaches to providing support for those who have left school early, who are at risk of early school leaving or who are involved in or at risk of becoming involved in drugs misuse. The aim is to assist young people to achieve educational qualifications and develop personal and social skills, thereby improving their future employment prospects and reducing the possibility of their entering the ranks of the long-term unemployed or becoming involved in drugs abuse.
I am interested to hear that a number of partnerships are not proceeding with a number projects. We informed the partnerships that money is available to be drawn down. I hope the Deputy will provide information on the projects to which he referred.
The Minister of State referred to the terms of reference of the youth services programmes. Will he indicate whether PLANET or the partnerships have indicated that their youth service programmes are not being developed because of the uncertainty over funding? Is he aware that certain projects have not been proceeded with as a result of that uncertainty?
I am not aware that a number of projects have not been proceeded with. I have spoken to representatives of PLANET and I would be interested—
The time allocated for this question has elapsed. We must proceed to Question No. 20.
