Vol. 453 No. 2
103 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will have arrangements made for the allocation of funds to Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann under the new opportunities for women. NOW programme in order to improve the participation of women in mainstream economic activity on islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9105/95]
There has been a very high level of interest in the employment initiative and this is reflected in the volume of applications which have been received. Each application will be assessed in detail by reference to the eligibility criteria which apply. As 202 proposals have been received to date under the NOW strand of the employment initiative alone, their assessment will take some time to complete. The intention is to have the review of all applications completed by the end of June. At that time a letter will be sent to those who have forwarded proposals to notify them of the outcome. The proposal in question will receive careful consideration.
The employment initiative will be operational in the period to the end of 1999. Pilot projects to be approved this year will be part-funded up to the end of 1997. In the course of 1997, applications will be sought for the part-funding of projects to operate up to the end of 1999. Accordingly, a further opportunity to apply will exist for those promoters whose applications are not successful on this occasion.
