asked the Minister for Health the total amount of grants from EEC funds channelled through his Department to date; and if he will provide a breakdown of these figures.

For the years 1973-1976 inclusive a total amount of £2,948,945 has been allocated in grants from the European Social Fund towards the cost of training the handicapped for employment. These grants were approved for health boards, the National Rehabilitation Board and various voluntary bodies.

Decisions on the applications for grants for 1977 have not yet been taken by the Social Fund Committee.

The breakdown of the grants is in the form of a tabular statement and with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate it with the Official Report.

European Social Fund.

Grants approved towards training handicapped persons for employment.