ESF In Ireland 2007 - 2013

Since Ireland's accession the EU in 1973, it is estimated that the ESF has invested over €6 billion in education, training and employment creation in Ireland. The current round of EU Structural Funds will run from 2007 to 2013. By the end of this seven-year period, Ireland will have received more than €375 million in assistance from the European Social Fund.

The main policy documents which have provided the shape of ESF for Ireland 2007-2013 are:

• National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2013
• EU ESF and Structural Funds Regulations
• The National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF)

Ireland's €184 billion National Development Plan for the period 2007-2013 builds on the significant social and economic achievements of the NDP/CSF (2006-2006). Entitled, Transforming Ireland-A Better Quality of Life for All, this seven year plan is the largest and most ambitious investment programme ever proposed for Ireland. it builds on, and consolidates, the achievements of the previous Plan, and provides €54.6 billon for investment in economic, infastructure, €49.6 billion for social inclusion measures (children,people with disabilities,etc) €33.6 billion for social infrastructure (housing,health,justice,etc); €25.8 billion for human capital (school, training, higher education, etc); and €20 billion for enterprise,science and innovation.

EU Structural funds will play a complementary role in relation to the NDP 2007-2013 and the ESF in particular focus on supporting niche interventions specifically relating to the upskillilng of workers,support for increased participation by marginalised groups in the workforce and activities to support equality and prevent discrimination in the workforce.

The ESF Regulation sets out the scope and eligible activities for ESF support. In the case of the period 2007-2013, the Regulation was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the Europan Union on 5th July 2006.

The General Structural Funds Regulation.

This Regulation sets out the general provisions on the ESF;ERDF and Cohesion Fund. The regulation was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on 11th July 2006.

The National Strategic Reference Framework (NSFR)

This document sets out Ireland's national strategy for invesments through the ESF and the ERDF for the period 2007-2013. The purpose of the NSRF is to provide broad policy guidance in relation to investment of EU funding to Ireland.