Richard Bruton
Ceist:88 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons primarily employed to administer EU funds in his Department. [20828/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 19 May 2010
Ceisteanna (63)
Freagraí scríofa
The Department of Finance is responsible for overall policy in relation to Ireland's EU Structural and Cohesion Funds and has primary responsibility for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund. It plays a central role in the development and management of the programmes/projects through which these Funds are drawn down.
Ireland no longer qualifies for Cohesion Funding, due to the economic progress the country has made. For the period 2007- 2013, Ireland has been allocated in total €901m in European Union Structural Funds. Of that amount, €750m is earmarked for the two Regional ERDF co-funded programmes, i.e. the Border, Midlands and Western and the Southern and Eastern Operational Programmes, and the national Human Capital Investment ESF co-funded programme under the Regional Competitive and Employment objective. The balance of €151m is for smaller Territorial Co-operation programmes, including the PEACE and INTERREG programmes.
The number of persons primarily employed to administer EU funds in this Department is broken down as follows.
The North South Programmes Unit is responsible for developing policy and the management of the PEACE and INTERREG programmes. The Unit also co-ordinates the Department of Finance's input into North South issues.
1 Principal Officer (amongst other duties)
1 Assistant Principal Officer
0.5 Higher Executive Officer
1 Staff Officer
The EU Structural Funds Policy Unit is responsible for policy development and the management of the EU Structural Funds.
0.5 Assistant Principal Officer
1 Administrative Officer
1.5 Executive Officer
0.5 Clerical Officer
ERDF Paying/Certifying Authority. The specific responsibilities of the Paying/Certifying Authorities are set in the EU Regulations and include submitting applications for payment to the European Commission.
3 Assistant Principal Officers (2 of whom are dealing with the 2000-2006 Closure Process)
1 Higher Executive Officer
1 Clerical Officer
ERDF Audit Authority. The specific responsibilities of the Audit Authorities are set out in the EU Regulations and include ensuring audits are carried out to verify the effective functioning of the management and control system of the Operational Programmes.
1 Principal Officer
2 Controllers
5 Auditors
1 Executive Officer