91998E0838

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0838/98 by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission (26 March 1998)

Subject: Alleged irregularities committed by Enfap Uil in the management of ESF vocational training funds

There have recently been reports of further suspect episodes concerning the management of funds for vocational training in Latium. On 7 February 1998 the Director-General of the INPS (National Social Security Institute), Dr Penna, sent a letter to Latium's Regional Executive Officer responsible for the budget, Mr Angiolo Marroni, in which he maintained that a vocational training body, Enfap Uil, had evaded its obligation to pay Lit 13 billion out of the social security contributions due in respect of its employees in the period since 1992. In spite of this accusation, Latium Regional Council paid some Lit 10 billion to Enfap between March and December 1997 under existing vocational training agreements.

Murky incidents relating to the organization of vocational training in Latium have already occurred on a number of occasions in the past. In one case, following an inquiry opened as a result of my earlier questions, training bodies were charged with conspiracy and fraud. Enfap was among the bodies investigated but has none the less continued to enjoy approved status. Indeed, in the most recent update of operations to be financed by the European Social Fund, approximately forty courses have been assigned to it.

1. Was the Commission already aware of the circumstances described above?

2. Does it not believe that a fresh inquiry should be opened into the management of ESF vocational training funds in Latium?

3. Does it not believe that bodies under investigation should be stripped of their approved status, at least until their position has been clarified in the Italian courts?

4. What is its general view on the matter as a whole?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (3 April 1998)

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.