Allister launches Interreg consultation response
03 May 2007
Member of the European Parliament, Jim Allister QC has launched his response to the new Cross-Border Programme for Territorial Co-operation, which will be the latest stage of the European Union’s Interreg Programme. In his consultation response the MEP welcomed the fact that Scotland will now be an eligible area for funding and support under the programme, Mr. Allister also welcomed the fact that the Technical Assistance Budget, which pays for things such as light, heat, staff and administration costs is to be lower in this programme.
Jim Allister said:
“On reading the consultation document, I was pleasantly surprised to see the content of this latest stage of the EU Interreg programme. This time around the programme will have a stronger focus on developing our tourism sector than has been the case in previous programmes. In the context of the inclusion of Scotland in the programme, this presents us with a great opportunity to develop further the Ulster-Scots axis and maximise its potential for attracting foreign and domestic tourists.
I also welcome the fact that this time around the programme’s Technical Assistance budget is to be cut. The reduction in the amount of resources devoted to administration and clerical costs, is something that I have consistently called for. For too long precious resources have been wasted in paying pen-pushers, when they should be going to develop and expand our local economy and communities. I give this revised Interreg programme a welcome, but it must be ensured that this money from Europe is not subject to government grab, whereby EU funds are raided by central government to pay for projects which should be paid for out of the exchequer. I have highlighted this issue in my consultation response and trust it will be addressed when the final operational programme is published”, said the MEP.
To read Jim Allister's full response, use the following link: http://www.jimallister.org/uploads/_220.pdf
