§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the allocation for the European social fund to Northern Ireland for the current programming period.
§ Sir John WheelerUnder the single programming document 1994 to 1999, Northern Ireland will earn 354 mecu, approximately £274 million, from the European social fund. Around 24 mecu, approximately £18 million, will also be earned through the three Community initiatives which have now been agreed. Northern Ireland also expects to earn further ESF receipts from the remaining six Community initiatives and the peace initiative programme which have all still to be agreed with the European Commission.