To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the administration of post-European Social Fund funding.

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 and all organisations that represent and work towards, meeting the employment needs of people with disabilities.

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. A letter dated 29 October 2020, was issued to all projects from DfE and has been posted on their website, under the European Social Fund section. All updates or related information will be shared there as we move forward.