Frances Fitzgerald
Question:183 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if funding will be made available under the equality for women measure to a group (details supplied). [7153/01]
Written Answers. - Equality for Women.
I launched the equality for women measure on the 5 October, 2000, and invited project applications for funding of £6 million for the period 2000-03 in respect of the following – access to employment, education and training with a particular emphasis on retraining and upskilling women; encouraging career development among women; encouraging entrepreneurship among women; innovative projects focused on disadvantaged women and women over 50 years of age; promoting gender balance in decision making.
The closing date for receipt of completed application forms was 5 January, 2001. The application for project funding referred to by the Deputy was received by the due date and has been acknowledged by my Department.
Approximately 350 project applications were received by the closing date. The project proposals will be assessed in relation to the criteria set for the measure. A project appraisals committee, chaired by my Department and including representatives of the regional assemblies, the Equality Authority and the four pillars of social partnership, has been set up to assist in this task. The committee is supported by a technical support service, engaged by my Department, which is carrying out an initial appraisal of the proposals. During the assessment stage, the technical support service may be in contact with the applicants to clarify specific details of their individual project proposal.
I hope to be in a position to announce next month my decision on project proposals which qualify for funding. All promoters will be notified individually at the earliest opportunity as to the outcome to their applications.