AQW 9793/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 05/11/2020
Answered On Date: 16/11/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities what discussions she has had with regard to ensuring a transition period for European Social Funds.

Answer:

Thank you for your correspondence of 05 November 2020.

The Department for Communities (DfC) currently provides match funding to 14 disability projects in the European Social Fund Programme 2014 -2020.

In light of the DfC strategic vision for the future and to encompass the lessons learned from the current ESF provision into the design of our future provision it is critical to ensure our people have a clear pathway on gaining the correct support to moving towards, and into the right employment. The Department is critically aware of the milestone of ESF funds ending. The replacement of this provision, that supports vulnerable individuals, is a challenge and we will fully engage and work collaboratively with all Departments in the Executive.

The Department for the Economy (DfE) together with the Department of Finance is engaging with the British Government on the Shared Prosperity Fund - this trilateral engagement is at both Ministerial and official levels.

In order to consider the future policy and delivery options, DfE have established a project in collaboration with DfC to consider options and develop details of potential ESF succession arrangements.

I trust you find this reply helpful.