Earlier this year, I approved 132 projects under the EU employment initiative — which encompasses three strands, NOW (New Opportunities for Women), Horizon (Disabled and Disadvantaged) and Youthstart — to run up to the end of 1997. The total European Social Fund allocation amounted to £26 million approximately and details of each project promoter and the amount allocated to each project are outlined in the following tables. It is expected that all projects will utilise fully their allocations.
A provision of £415,000 was included in my Department's 1996 Estimates to provide matching funds for projects, sponsored by my Department's agencies under this initiative, to operate up to the end of 1997. Following a review in the context of my Department's recent Supplementary Estimate for 1996, it is expected that an amount of £207,000 will not be required in 1996. Accordingly, I am seeking the provision for this expenditure in 1997.
Early in 1997, there will be a further call for proposals under the employment initiative. The amount of European Social Fund moneys available will be approximately £32 million and the projects to be selected will operate in the period 1998-99. I anticipate equally that all the ESF moneys available for this second phase will be absorbed.
Approved Projects EMPLOYMENT — Horizon Disabled