Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will be in a much better position to answer the Deputy when we have the plan submitted to Brussels, which we are working on now. When the regulations are passed by the European Parliament, we can then formally get cracking on them. We might have some debate about it within the committee system before we make our submission to Brussels. I would be happy to facilitate that, as would other line Ministers, including the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Minister for Education and Skills.

The overarching priority, following the discussions we had in the run up to the adoption of the multi-annual financial framework, is youth unemployment. That will account for a big chunk of the spend. It was also agreed that we would front load that spend rather than spreading it out over the seven year programme. Prime responsibility in this area will fall to the Minister for Social Protection.

The territorial programme will involve ourselves, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Proposals will come from each of the three Governments before the end of the year so that we can make a joint presentation. Again, once that is done, I will be very happy to give the Deputy the details.

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