Allister calls foul over fund withdrawal from FAIR
15 September 2010
TUV Leader Jim Allister has expressed concern at SEUPB's withdrawal of £800,000 of funding from FAIR in respect of projects already approved for EU Peace expenditure.
In a statement Jim Allister said, "Looking at the wholly disproportionate action in withdrawing all funding from three FAIR projects in response to non-fraudulent administrative failings, it is hard to escape the suspicion that an opportunity is being taken to try and wipe out a victims organisation which has refused to fit the 'peace process mould'.
"Having worked closely with FAIR during my time as an MEP my experience of it as an organisation never gave rise to any concern as to its handling of EU funds. Indeed I helped it get direct EU Funding from Brussels' anti-terrorism fund for a specific project which resulted in a highly complimentary review by the Justice Commissioner at a meeting with FAIR in Brussels. So, FAIR has a proven track record of delivery for victims, making me wonder why now it is being decided to starve it of funds.
"I am unaware of such draconian action against others for such failings and, therefore, believe that the punitive action of the SEUPB is unwarranted."
