I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 87 together.
I am aware that a number of the 35 city and county enterprise boards have recently reported to us, some potential difficulties in relation to their 2001 cash allocations.
Having examined the matter in our mid-year review, I have arranged that an extra £1 million – 1.269 million – be provided immediately for the capital expenditure of the boards. This equates to an increase of 6% of the capital expenditure for the boards for 2001. Capital expenditure covers measure 1 – financial intervention – capital, employment and feasibility study grants; and measure 2 – entrepreneurial and capability development – advice, training mentoring, etc.
Our officials are also taking other measures to increase the flexibility in managing the funds already allocated.
The matter will be kept under review by our officials, in consultation with the 35 boards and appropriate action taken to ensure that the boards are in a position to discharge fully their work, which is important for the economic well-being of the State.
Repayable grants offer, in the longer term, an opportunity for enterprise boards, to make available additional funding for measure 1 grants. We will keep the matter under review, during the second half of the year.
