asked the Minister for Labour whether, in respect of the EEC criteria for training grant assistance, there will be funds available in this field in view of the fact that Government agencies have refused to provide the £-for-£ matching which is required by the European Social Fund.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Training Grant Assistance.
50.
Under the regulations of the European Social Fund grants are payable to private firms towards training costs, subject to a number of conditions, one of which is that equivalent grants are paid to such firms from public funds. The social fund grants may apply to various types of training costs, including instructors' salaries and expenses, trainees' remuneration and expenses, rental or depreciation of materials and of buildings used for training purposes and certain types of teaching equipment.
The equivalent grants to industrial firms for this purpose have been payable in Ireland by the Industrial Development Authority. Under the Industrial Development Act, 1969, training grants payable by the IDA are limited to the amounts of trainees' remuneration and expenses and of similar costs relating to instructors, advisers, and so forth.
I should like to go back to the basic question. Is it true that there have been complaints that State funds are not matching the EEC funds for these training programmes?
The responsibility in this area is between the Industrial Development Authority and my Department. It may not really answer the national interest that there should be any change in our own position in relation to State funds in this area. Our general approach is that we have obtained more than our fair share of the money available under the social fund. It is true that there is a slightly larger area of coverage under the social fund than under State schemes. I simply say to the Deputy that he should examine the matter a little further since he put down the question which is a very interesting one. It appears to me the national interest is better served by the present arrangement. In fact, it suits our purpose better.
I may have misunderstood the situation and I would like to get the matter clarified. Is it not true that the EEC Social Fund requires the matching of pound for pound?
Yes.
Has this not actually been complied with by the Government?
As the Deputy is aware, in all matters relating to the EEC it is a contest between member countries and what the fund permits. I believe we are conforming to the rules governing the fund, getting more than our fair share of it. The present arrangements suit our purpose in that direction.
Would the Minister elaborate on what he means by getting our fair share of the fund? Surely his approach should be that we would never get enough, that we should always be looking for more?
That is precisely the position.
I hope it is.