§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he 282W will ensure that full account is taken of the recent modification of the EEC Social Fund to allow the Fund to be used to support employment creation in Northern Ireland, as well as training for young people below 25 years of age; and what effect the change will have in terms of additional jobs created.
§ Mr. ConcannonOn 6th April 1978 the Commission approved a proposal to introduce a new category of aid, designed to promote employment of young persons under 25 and supplementing the system of aid already available under the European Social Fund. The Commission has now put forward this proposal to the Council of Ministers for consideration at its June 1978 meeting and pending a decision the European Social Fund has not yet been modified.
As the form of this aid has not been determined fully it is not possible to state the effect any change will have. However, I welcome the Commission's proposal and I am watching the situation closely to ensure that Northern Ireland derives appropriate benefit.