Vol. 537 No. 4
65 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will clarify the position in relation to funding from her Department to various programmes, groups, LE schemes, enterprise boards and child care groups; if she will ensure such funding is allocated to its specified purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16499/01]
My Department funds FÁS, the National Training and Employment Authority, and this agency is responsible for the delivery of the various labour market interventions and employment services. In addition, an annual grant is given to the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed towards its administration costs and overheads. The 35 city and county enterprise boards are funded under the BMW, Border, midlands and western, and the S and E – southern and eastern – regional operational programmes of the National Development Plan 2000-2006.
I have no reason to believe that any of my Department's funding has been used for purposes other than those intended. However, if the Deputy has any specific information to the contrary I will of course have it investigated.
