Assistance from the EU Structural Funds for the period 1994-99 is provided to my Department in respect of specific measures in support of the human resources development priorities identified in the Community Support Framework 1994-99.
These measures are implemented nationally across the first, second and third levels of education through schools, vocational education committees, the technological sector, and the universities and include support for curricular reform in the senior cycle as well as programmes such as the vocational preparation and training, VPT, programme and vocational training opportunities scheme, VTOS, and certificate and diploma courses in the technological sector.
In accordance with the requirements of the Government procurement procedures and those of the European Union, the award of contracts by my Department or bodies under the aegis of my Department, for projects which are supported by Community Support Framework, follow an open competitive tendering procedure.