Vol. 522 No. 2
44 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance when he expects to receive EU approval for the two operational programmes for social inclusion, submitted under the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18158/00]
The social inclusion sub-programme forms part of the two regional operational programmes of the national development plan namely, the southern and eastern regional operational programme and the Border, midland and western regional operational programme. The two regional operational programmes were submitted to the EU Commission before the end of April and they have been considered by the EU since then. Discussions on the details of the regional operational programmes, which are subject to agreement with the Commission are to commence towards the end of this week and will be concluded in the early autumn.
Negotiations with the European Commission on the Community Support Framework, CSF, which sets out the basis and composition of the EU Structural Funds contribution to the national development plan, have already concluded. We understand from the Commission that the agreement in principle of the Commission to the CSF will be forthcoming on 26 June and that they will formally approve the CSF early in July upon conclusion of the consultation process with the various standing committees provided for under the Structural Funds Regulations.
The Deputy may wish to note that the only elements of the social inclusion sub-programme which are subject to EU agreement are those measures which are being co-financed with EU Structural Funds, namely, the child care measures. All other elements of the sub-programme are being funded by the Exchequer and do not require EU approval and the various implementing Departments are proceeding apace with the development and implementation of these elements of the sub-programme.
