Fighting for Funding from the EU – Jim Allister in Strasbourg and Brussels
26 May 2009
With less than a third of 1% of the EU’s population Northern Ireland’s case could easily be swamped, if our representation is mediocre, warned Jim Allister. Our present strong representation in Europe has been achieved by the dogged determination of full-time representative which he gave Ulster in Strasbourg and Brussels, Jim Allister said today.
Leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice, Mr Allister said over the last five years he had demonstrated that he is determined to speak for the Northern Ireland people at every available opportunity..
Mr Allister said in the past few years EU enlargement had posed a big challenge.
“As a consequence of Enlargement, the axis of funding in Europe has moved distinctly eastwards. Apart from CAP funding, the other major segment of EU funding comes from the Cohesion Fund.”
And Mr Allister said the Stormont Executive had not fully scrutinised the additionality of EU funding issues.
“Northern Ireland does not qualify for the greater bulk (82%) of Cohesion Funding, which goes towards major infrastructural projects in the poorer regions. Because of our perceived prosperity, we are restricted to some employment and training funds and a small pot of inter-regional funding, plus PEACE funding.
“Putting it to the best use is imperative. Likewise, ensuring it is genuinely additional to national funding is essential. I regret that to date the Stormont Assembly has not adequately scrutinised the additionality of EU funds.
“As the EU expands and funding diminishes, delivering for Northern Ireland in Europe requires skill and tenacity. I believe I have demonstrated both. Many groups in the community have been helped by my efforts in securing EU money to help them. This I am pledged to continue”.
