To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning what assurances he can give that projects within his Department, for which funding applications are submitted to the European Social Fund, will be judged fairly and on merit alone.

My Department will establish Assessment Panels to examine all the applications that are submitted to the European Social Fund. The Assessment Panels will consist of members that are drawn from across the relevant business areas in the Department and also independent representation with relevant background in the specific Investment Priorities being assessed, such as disability or young people.

The Assessment Panels will follow a robust and transparent process to ensure all applications are judged on merit and against the specific criteria detailed in the application form.