§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the(a) purpose and (b) running cost of (i) the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, (ii) the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions and (iii) the European Training Foundation. [138079]
§ Mr. WicksThe three organisations referred to are agencies of the European Union.
601WEuropean Centre for the Development of Vocational Training
The purpose of the Centre is to provide information on member states' vocational education and training systems. It promotes and supports research on specific education and training themes, produces descriptive reports and identifies developmental trends of interest to member states and the European Commission.
In 2000 the running costs of the organisation are 12.9 million Euros.
European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions
The Foundation was established to provide policy makers with research-based information on the improvement of living and working conditions. This includes comparative cross-European research on employment and unemployment, equal opportunities, social inclusion, health in the workplace and employee relations. As well as commissioning research through open tender the Foundation is active in disseminating research-based information through publications, conferences and seminars throughout the member states.
In 2000 the running costs of the Foundation are 15 million Euros.
European Training Foundation.
The purpose of the Foundation is to act as a centre of expertise in human resource development to assist the countries of central and eastern Europe, the new independent states and non EU Mediterranean countries. It provides analysis and advice to these countries on vocational education and training, disseminates information on EU best practice, assists in the design and development of vocational education and training projects and in monitoring and evaluation of initiatives in these countries. The Foundation is playing a particularly active role in assisting those countries seeking accession to the European Union to develop their vocational education and training expertise.
In 2000 the running costs of the Foundation are 16.2 million Euros.