as the idea of linking Social Fund assistance to the employment strategy will be put into effect for the first time during the 2000-2006 programme. The truth of the matter though is that we believe - and this is also shown in the way the conclusions have been drafted - that the Commission must take account of what is adopted by this Parliament, particularly in the face of an interim revision of these Directives. Mr President, Commissioner, I would like to thank Mrs Schroedter for an excellent report. She has gone into the issue in some depth and in the committee debate she took account of many of the amendments that have been tabled regarding this report. It contained details and issues that had already been raised in