WRITTEN QUESTION P-1027/00 by Marietta Giannakou-Koutsikou (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Programme for combating unemployment and exclusion from the labour market.
21. 11. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 330 E/221 Have the firms in question expressly been asked whether their relocation from Western Flanders to 4. Hainaut is dependent on the award of Objective 2 aid? (a) (b) If so, how many West Flandersí operators would choose to move their operations to Hainaut without Objective 2 aid? If not, will the Commission ask these business operators to what extent their relocation is dependent upon Objective 2 aid? Is the Commission prepared to take measures to prevent the relocation of West Flanders firms to 5. Hainaut? (a) If so, what measures? (b) If not, why not? Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission (12 May 2000) The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible. (2000/C 330 E/258) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1027/00 by Marietta Giannakou-Koutsikou (PPE-DE) to the Commission (29 March 2000) Subject: Programme for combating unemployment and exclusion from the labour market EUR 230 million from the Social Fund appropriations allocated to the Second Community Support Framework for Greece which is now expiring had originally been approved for the programme to combat unemployment and the exclusion of vulnerable social groups, such as persons with special needs, rehabilitated drug addicts and immigrants. Owing to delays in the implementation of the programme for which this sum was intended, it was reduced by EUR 60 million which has been transferred to other programmes, although it is far from certain that this sum will in fact be taken up. Given the urgent need to channel the funds in question to the vulnerable social groups for which they are intended, i. e. persons with special needs, rehabilitated drug addicts and immigrants, with a view to integrating these groups in the labour market, will the Commission say how it intends to address this matter and what is the reason for the delay (the excessively low take-up rate of appropriations) in implementing the programme so that it achieves to the intended objectives? Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission (28 April 2000) According to recent information provided by the Greek authorities, the programme take-up rate for the period 1994-1999 was approximately 55 % in terms of expenditure incurred. The total of programme credits had been committed by the end of December 1999 and it is expected that there will be 100 % credit absorption within the deadlines imposed by the financial regulations in force. The very low take-up experienced in particular during the 1994-1997 period was mainly due to the inadequate administrative and management structures, absence of programmeís innovative approach, appropriate implementing structures and the accreditation shortcomings. In the meantime, significant progress has been achieved in comparison with the 1994-1997 period. The national accreditation agency was re-established and is at present functioning in a satisfactory way. There have also been improvements in programme monitoring. C 330 E/222 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 21. 11. 2000 However further action would still be required under the 3rd Community support framework for Greece 2000-2006, underpinning in particular the individualised, preventive and active approach to promote the integration of vulnerable social groups into the mainstream labour market. In this context it is important to strengthen or develop appropriate labour market structures and mechanisms as well as support, reception and care structures with a view to facilitating participation, integration and autonomy of those exposed to exclusion, including people with disabilities. (2000/C 330 E/259) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1095/00 by Laura GonzÆlez `lvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission Subject: Aboæo thermal power station (Asturias) (7 April 2000) The residents of Pervera (Carreæo, Asturias) are inconvenienced on a daily basis by local industry. Several days ago the Aboæo thermal power station emitted a large cloud of ash, but incredibly, the firmís management refused to provide information concerning the cause and nature of the cloud to those affected by the incident. Can the Commission check whether this power station complies with Community environmental legisla- tion, particularly Directive 88/609, which sets limits for emissions into the air by large combustion plants? What action can the Commission take vis-à-vis the competent authorities to ensure that this firm adopts the measures necessary to guarantee a decent quality of life for the residents and protection of the environment? Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission (16 May 2000) The Commission has no knowledge of the facts referred to by the Honourable Member. It has asked the Member State concerned for information and will inform the Honourable Member of its findings