Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Finance the extra financial support that is planned in the Multi Annual Financial Framework to tackle youth unemployment. [14073/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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As part of the European Council agreement on the 2014 – 2020 Multi Annual Financial Framework of 7-8 February, it was decided to provide EUR 6 billion for a new Youth Employment Initiative for regions with youth unemployment above 25%. This funding will consist of EUR 3 billion from the European Social Fund and an additional EUR 3 billion from a new Youth Employment budget line. This initiative comes within the remit of the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform, Social Protection and Education & Skills and I understand that the specific detail and modalities remain to be fully elaborated at European level. The European Commission has now published its legislative proposal for this initiative, which in the first instance will have to be considered by Council and then, in turn, negotiated with the European Parliament.

I am also informed that all of the technical data underpinning the eligibility criteria for this initiative are not yet available for 2012. However, it is expected both Irish regions, the Border, Midland and West and the Southern and Eastern Regions will qualify for funding. While I do not wish to pre-empt a final decision on funding, I can assure the House that we will be seeking to maximise the possible benefits to Ireland.