asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay in making European Social Fund grants available to students in Kevin Street College, Dublin 8; when the grants will be paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
96.
Written Answers. - ESF Grants.
93.
asked the Minister for Education if she will make a statement on the withholding, for administrative reasons, of European Social Fund grants from recipients with the vocational sector; and the way in which she proposes to resolve the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 96 together. Under the terms of the Department's middle-level technician programme, special training grants are paid to participants monthly, in arrears. While some delays have occurred, I understand that, aside from the participants in programmes operated by colleges under the auspices of the city of Dublin VEC, payments have been made in accordance with the terms of the scheme. In this context the Deputy will be aware that it is a matter for each VEC to order its priorities to ensure the early payments of the grants in question. In regard to delay in payment of ESF grants by the City of Dublin VEC my Department is endeavouring to resolve this issue through normal negotiating procedures. Grants will be paid at the earliest possible date.