MEP welcomes SEUPB probe into Chicago Junket
10 June 2008
Traditional Unionist MEP, Jim Allister, has welcomed correspondence from the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) Chief Executive, Pat Colgan, in which he commits SEUPB to a review of funding by Belfast LSP in which the Belfast City Council project file will be specifically examined.
Mr Allister had raised concerns with SEUPB about the squandering of PEACE money on a recent City Council visit by 11 councillors to Chicago, particularly at a time when so many voluntary and worthy community groups are facing fund starvation. Now, Mr Colgan has responded to say a routine review of Belfast LSP's funding processes, which was not due to the autumn, is being brought forward and the Belfast City Council project file will be especially scrutinised. It was Belfast LSP (on which 7 Belfast councillors sit) which granted the City Council the funding. This was under Measure 3.1, which was supposed to be for local initiatives for the social economy.
Commenting the Ulster Euro MP said, "I welcome this swift response by SEUPB and trust their promised auditing will be thorough, not least since the Commission representative at the recent PEACE Monitoring Committee reminded all of the need for due diligence in funding approvals, arising from interest by the EU Court of Auditors in such expenditure. This extravagant visit to Chicago shocked many, particularly among the hard-pressed voluntary and community sector who are facing lay-offs and a funding drought by the end of this month, as PEACE II Extension money dries up. How wasting 28,000 on sending 11 councillors to Chicago in these circumstances, is beyond comprehension."
