AQW 8409/17-22 Written question to the Minister for the Economy
To ask the Minister for the Economy, with regard to the ending of the current European Social Fund Programme funding period in 2022, for her assessment of the risks to funding to Northern Ireland disability employment groups.
Asked by Stewart Dickson MLA on 8 October 2020
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 8 October 2020
- Answer due by
- 23 October 2020
- Answered
- 13 November 202036 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for the Economy
- Priority question
- No
Answer
The funding for existing projects supported by the Northern Ireland European Social Fund (ESF) Programme (2014-2020) continues until March 2022. A joint project with the Department for Communities has been established to consider the policy and delivery options once the current projects conclude.
Securing the necessary funding will be a key consideration. Until we have clarity from the UK Government on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund there is a risk to provision after March 2022. Engagement on the funding issues is being progressed by the Department of Finance with the objective of securing at least the same level of funding as we currently receive from the EU.