DUP MEP Jim Allister QC today led a deputation of Womens' Groups from Northern Ireland to meet top officials administering the PEACE II funds in order to discuss unwelcome changes proposed under the extension of PEACE II.  Mr Allister was accompanied by SDLP Assembly Member Patricia Lewsley who has been campaigning actively on these issues.

The key problem arises from the fact that under PEACE II till now there has been a specific measure, Measure 1.5, exclusively for women and Measure 2.5 for childcare provision. Under the proposed extension these separate measures will disappear and womens' funding requirements will be subsumed into the general training measure, Measure 1.3.  Two basic problems result: first, the training proffered under 1.3 is at a higher level, whereas essential basic training could be offered under 1.5, which was fundamental to reintroducing many women back into employment.; second, there is no childcare funding facility under 1.3, whereas under 2.5 the childcare funding, particularly in enabling after-school facilities, sustained hundreds of jobs for working mothers.

Speaking after the meeting Jim Allister MEP said, "We pressed very strongly the foolishness of ending the Measures which have been outstanding successes under PEACE II.  Measures 1.5 and 2.5 were always fully subscribed while other measures struggled to meet their targets, yet it is the successful measures which are under threat. We are now looking for an urgent review of this decision and re-establishment of the separate Measures for women and childcare."

Patricia Lewsley MLA said, "We've left Brussels in no doubt as to the importance of these Measures for women and children in Northern Ireland and now strengthened by what we've secured here I look forward to leading a delegation next week in Belfast to meet Ian Pearson MP.  This issue is so vital to women right across the community that we are determined to do everything possible to protect their interests."