Allister unveils propsals for future of European funding
26 May 2006
DUP Member of the European Parliament, James H Allister QC has unveiled three policy documents addressing the future of European funding. The three papers have been submitted to the Department of Finance and Personnel’s European Division and the Special EU Programmes Body for their consideration. The documents address the future direction of the Peace programme, the shaping of upcoming European Structural Funding and the
prospects for increased east-west co-operation between Northern Ireland and Scotland. The raft of proposals contained in the three documents is the most significant submission on funding issues published by any political party in Northern Ireland to date.
Speaking today the DUP MEP said:
“With the share-out of 6.2 Billion Euros, which is coming to the UK for 2007-13, between the 12 regions of our country due to be decided shortly, I have submitted a detailed paper arguing strongly for significantly more than a pro-rata distribution because of the competiveness deficit in Northern Ireland. Hence I and my Party’s contention that 1 Billion of the 6.2 Billion should come to Northern Ireland. Our response to the consultation document makes detailed arguments in support of this contention. I have already discussed the matter with the DFP Minister and early next month I am meeting Peter Hain on the issue.
Northern Ireland has reaped some benefit from the funding structures of the European Union: PEACE, INTERREG and various other funds have all brought their distinct advantages, but there is enormous scope for improvement. All of the programmes can be delivered better, more efficiently and in a way that maximises the confidence of all communities that they will be treated in a fair and even-handed fashion. The proposals contained in my documents are designed to revolutionise the various programmes and ensure that they bring maximum benefit to all the people of Northern Ireland.
In terms of the PEACE programme, vast sums of money are consumed in administration costs. This is money that should be going to the benefit of our local communities, not funding pen-pushing officials. The Protestant community still feels estranged from the programme and detached from it. This reality needs to be addressed if genuine cross-community support for the PEACE programme is to be delivered. In relation to the scope for east-west co-operation, our party is firmly of the opinion that Scotland, not the Irish Republic is the most natural avenue of co-operation through the funding structures of the EU.
I have been engaged in intense lobbying of all the key stakeholders on these issues and hope that my recommendations will be acted upon.”
Below find the three submitted documents:
http://www.jimallister.org/uploads/Working_together_for_a_common_good_148.doc
http://www.jimallister.org/uploads/Shaping_Peace_III_147.doc
http://www.jimallister.org/uploads/Structural_Funds_document_146.doc
