Secretary of State calls for views on new £325 million European Union funding package

21 December 2006

A consultation on how a new £325 million EU funding package for Northern Ireland should be spent has been launched by the Secretary of State, Peter Hain MP.

The new money will support Northern Ireland’s future Competitiveness and Employment European Structural Funds programmes and Mr Hain encouraged everyone to use the opportunity to express their views.

“Northern Ireland has benefited enormously from EU funding over the last 30 years. EU enlargement and our improved relative economic performance means less funding is available than previously. But it is still a significant sum and is fully additional and we want to get the maximum possible benefit.”

“It is essential that this £325 million EU funding for Competitiveness and Employment is focused on high value, innovative activities which complement our existing national strategies and that we deliver these through efficient delivery structures.”

“The plans set out in the Competitiveness Programme proposals offer key additional spending in promoting innovation, increasing investment in technological development, enterprise and entrepreneurship, and creating a better climate for doing business in Northern Ireland.”

“The Employment Programme proposals focus additional spending on removing barriers to work, equipping people with the necessary skills to enter the workforce and improving the existing skills of people already in work.” Highlighting the cross cutting themes for both programmes, the Secretary of State said: “The important underlying themes are the need for equality, promoting good relations and sustainable development, and creating sustainable communities.”

“In line with the Anti Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy for Northern Ireland these EU Programmes will aim to deliver expenditure programmes that target poverty, disadvantage and multiple deprivation in urban and rural areas and to create sustainable communities that are active, safe and inclusive.”

“It is vitally important that we receive views from right across the community and from all sectors on these proposals before they are finalised and submitted to the European Commission.”

The Consultation Document (including draft programmes) is available on the DFP, European Division website. The 12 week consultation period ends on 14 March 2007 and respondees are asked for views on six questions set out in the document.