Brussels, 25/04/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Commissioner for employment and social affairs, Anna Diamantopoulou, signed a decision on Wednesday approving the new Community initiative programme EQUAL for Northern Ireland, for the period 2000-2006. The programme has a budgetary allocation of EUR 11.7 million from the Social Funds.
A press release specifies that, after broad consultation, Ireland decided to target its efforts on two key priorities: - employability (EUR 7 million), with the aim of increasing understanding among policy makers and practitioners of the supply and demand side barriers faced by those that are disadvantaged in the labour market, excluded or at risk of exclusion; - equal opportunities for men and women (EUR 3.7 million).
In addition, the press release indicates that the programme will also comprise advisory and guidance measures to meet the social and professional needs of asylum seekers. As responsibility for asylum seekers does not fall on the authorities of Northern Ireland, the programme does not make provision for actions in respect of asylum seekers, but will associate itself with activities being carried out under the EQUAL Programme for Great Britain.