91999E1856

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1856/99

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(12 October 1999)

Subject: Progress made in implementing the operational health and welfare programme under the Community support framework for Greece

From the Commission's answer to a previous question by me, it emerged that implementation of the operational programme for health and welfare under the Community support framework for Greece was encountering difficulties and that the take-up of funds earmarked for this purpose was extremely slow.

Can the Commission indicate the present take-up rate of the relevant funds? Have the problems affecting implementation of the programme been overcome and, if not, what is the reason for such long delays?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(18 November 1999)

The take-up rate of the Health and welfare programme under the 1994-1999 Community support framework for Greece currently amounts to 41 %.

This low rate is explained by the fact that the programme started rather late. Moreover, a large part of the appropriations is intended for capital expenditure on hospitals built under the regional programmes, and so dependent on the progress made in constructing those buildings.

According to the information sent to the Commission by the Greek authorities, all the contracts for projects in the programme have been or are being signed. Given the nature of these projects, namely mainly purchases of equipment and the construction of small medical facilities, it is expected that all the appropriations allocated to this programme will be used by the established deadlines.

With regard to assistance for human resources, the delays recorded during the first years of implementation may be put down to work on developing systems and procedures to ensure better training and introduction of the changes required to improve response to highly specialised needs in the field of health. The implementation of these measures is proceeding in satisfactory fashion and the Greek authorities expect all the appropriations to be used.