Sir, - Efforts must intensify to ensure that the £24 million a year given to disabled groups from the European Social Fund is ringfenced and protected under the next round of EU Structural Funds 2000-2006.
Discussions are now under way between the Government and private, voluntary and public groups as to what should be included in the Irish National Development Plan which goes to Brussels next year to deal with the next round of EU Structural Funds. It is imperative that EU monies which have been given to the disabled between the years 1994-1999 under the present round of EU aid are ring-fenced over the next seven-year period at a minimum. Between 1994 and 1999, the European Social Fund contributes £119 million towards EU projects which assist the disabled in our society.
Notwithstanding the contention that Ireland is the "Celtic Tiger" of Europe, we all know that much work remains to be done to achieve true equality for the disabled in our society. The Irish Government, the new National Disability Authority and all interested parties must ensure that monies are protected under the European Social Fund for the disabled under the next round of EU Structural Funds 2000-2006, so that no diminution or reduction of present allocations arises. - Yours, etc.,
Niall Andrews MEP,
European Parliament Office,
Molesworth Street,
Dublin 2.
