MEP meets Community Relations Council
09 February 2006
Following a meeting with representatives of the Community Relations Council today, Jim Allister MEP welcomed the fact that shortly there will be another call for applications for funding specifically for interface projects and proposals focused on work with minority ethnic groups. This is under Measure 2:1 of the PEACE II Extension.
Consistent with his previous stand the DUP MEP is urging groups from the under-funded Unionist community to make such applications. Commenting Mr Allister said, “Like all other PEACE II Extension programmes applications under Measure 2:1 are up substantially, not least from the Protestant community. Of the 28 projects funded by CRC 13 are for groups not previously funded. I would have liked more success for such groups, particularly from under-privileged Protestant areas. However, I take the view that we have to relentlessly pursue equality for such areas and, therefore, I continue to urge maximum applications.
I also discussed with CRC the future administration of Peace funding. It is clear that as the pot of available money reduces, it will be unsustainable to have as many funding bodies as at present. Rationalisation is inevitable as value for money must be a key criterion. Equally, it is vital that there is real economic benefit from Peace spending; mere froth and feel-good agendas are not enough.”
