TÁNAISTE LAUNCHES MIDAS PROJECT

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Friday 27th November, 1998) officially launched the Midas project in Gort a Choirce, Leitir Ceanainn, Co. Donegal. Midas is one of the 32 NOW (New Opportunities for Women) projects approved for EU funding and is promoted by Meitheal Forbatha na Gaeltachta Teo.

The project has been allocated £350,000 to generate self employment through enterprise development in the area of new food products, to establish a workers co-operative and to equip and train women to access employment opportunities.

Speaking at the launch the Tánaiste said "the Midas project will ensure that women in the Gaeltacht areas are supported in their efforts to investigate self-employment opportunities within the traditional food preparation industry. They will be assisted in researching, planning, developing and implementing their enterprise creativity in a practical supported environment."

"The programme addresses the needs of women entrepreneurs by providing mentoring and guidance on a one-to-one to one basis with particular emphasis on food development especially traditional Gaeltacht foods. It is a practical hands-on training programme designed for women, delivered bilingually, during suitable times, in local venues with childcare facilities and disabled access," the Tánaiste said.

The Tánaiste said "the local economy and area will benefit from this project, especially the tourist element, through the manufacture of new or additional products."

The Tánaiste welcomed the fact that the project pursues a strong integrated partnership approach involving LEADER 11, local development companies and FAS.

The project is working closely with its transnational partners in France and the United Kingdom on the joint development of curriculum materials, products and services and on the exchange of staff and participants, and information/materials.

The Tánaiste wished success to all those involved in the project and looked forward to being kept informed of the projects progress as it enters into its final year of operation.