FAQ (Frequently asked questions)

What is the role of the Special EU Programmes Body in implementing PEACE III and INTERREG IVA? Does this differ from the previous programmes?

The SEUPB’s primary function is to manage the implementation of the PEACE III and INTERREG IVA Programmes for Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland. The SEUPB has been designated as Managing Authority, Certifying Authority, Audit Authority and Joint Technical Secretariat (JTS). The organisation is divided in this way to ensure that a strict segregation of responsibilities exists and to reflect regulatory requirements. For both of these programmes, the Body now has a more substantial role in the delivery of the funding directly to the projects on the ground.

The key functions of the Body are summarised as follows:

Managing Authority

Ensuring operations are selected for funding in accordance with the criteria applicable, and compliance with Community and national rules for the whole of their implementation period;
Guiding the work of the Monitoring Committee;
Ensuring the data on implementation necessary for financial management, monitoring, verifications, audits and evaluation are collected;
Ensuring that beneficiaries and other bodies involved in the implementation of operations, maintain either a separate accounting system or an adequate accounting code, for all transactions relating to the operation without prejudice
Ensuring the Certifying Authority receives all necessary information on the procedures and verifications carried out in relation to expenditure for the purpose of certification;
to national accounting rules;
Ensuring compliance with the information and publicity requirements laid down in Article 69; and
Provide the Commission with information to allow it to appraise major projects.

Certifying Authority

Prepare and submit to the Commission certified statements of expenditure and applications for payment;
Ensure for the purposes of certification that it has received adequate information from the Managing Authority on the procedures and verifications carried out in relation to expenditure included in statements of expenditure;
Take account for certification purposes of the results of all audits carried out by, or under the responsibility of, the audit authority;
Maintain accounting records in computerised form of expenditure declared to the Commission; and
Keep an account of amounts recoverable and of amounts withdrawn following cancellation of all or part of the contribution for an operation.

Audit Authority

Ensuring audits are carried out on the basis of an appropriate sample to verify expenditure declared;
Ensuring that audits are carried out to verify the effective functioning of the management and control system of the Operational Programme;
Submitting to the Commission an annual control report; and
Submitting, where applicable under Article 88, a declaration for partial closure assessing the legality and regularity of the expenditure concerned.

Joint Technical Secretariat

Creating a project pipeline by issuing calls for proposals in line with the criteria defined in the Operational Programme and agreed by the Monitoring Committee;
Ensuring that operations are selected for funding in accordance with the criteria, and compliance with Community and national rules for the whole of their implementation period;
Assessing project proposals for consideration by the relevant Steering Committee;
Providing secretariat services to the Steering Committees;
Issuing contracts of funding to successful project applicants;
Maintaining and monitoring records on behalf of the programme and entering these into the database; and
Ensuring that pre-contracting checks are carried out in accordance with Article 13 of Council Regulation (EU) No 1828/2006.

What is the religious background and gender composition of staff members of the Special EU Programmes Body?

The analysis of the religious and gender composition of staff members of the Special EU Programmes Body can be found in the Fair Employment Monitoring Report published by the Equality Commission. Copies of this can be obtained via the Equality Commission’s website www.equalityni.org

Where can I access the SEUPB Annual Report and Accounts?

The SEUPB Annual Report and Accounts detail the main highlights of the Body’s work and provides an update on progress regarding the implementation of the programmes. The report also publishes full annual accounts which have been examined and certified by the Comptroller & Auditor General for Northern Ireland and the Irish Comptroller & Auditor General. The most recent Annual Report can be accessed via our website www.seupb.eu or by contacting the SEUPB on +44 (0)28 9026 6660.

What is the difference between the Corporate Plan and the Business Plan, and where can I access each of these?

The Corporate Plan sets out how the SEUPB has translated its vision into a strategy for the period 2008-2010, as well as the Body’s aims, objectives and goals. It explains how the Body intends to direct its resources in order to fulfil its duties under the legislation which it operates within.

The Business Plan reviews the Body’s performance and describes how it plans to deliver against the commitments set out in the Corporate Plan 2008-10. The Business Plan places emphasis on those key actions and associated targets for activity based initiatives for each of the Corporate Objectives.

The SEUPB Corporate Plan and Business Plan can be accessed via our website www.seupb.eu or by contacting the SEUPB on +44 (0)28 9026 6660.

What measures are being taken by the SEUPB to reduce their carbon footprint in 2009?

The Special EU Programmes Body has an Environmental Policy Statement which outlines specific measures we are taking which will enable us to reduce our carbon footprint. These measures are actively monitored by an internal team charged with implementing the policy.

What consultation was there for the current programming period?

During the formal consultation period, extensive consultation was held with social partners and other stakeholders through the region. Publicly advertised consultation events were organised in Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and in Scotland. Sixty written responses were submitted and published on the SEUPB website.

What is the difference between a Monitoring Committee and a Steering Committee?

The Monitoring Committee is the overall governing and decision making body for the programmes. Members of the Monitoring Committee include representatives of organisations from sectoral interests such as business, Trade Unions, the voluntary, environmental and equality sectors. It reviews progress and considers possible changes to the programme where necessary. A key responsibility is to approve criteria and processes for selecting projects within regulatory requirements.

The PEACE III Monitoring Committee has delegated responsibility for project selection to the Steering Committee.

The Steering Committee assesses all project applications and considers how they fit with the programme objectives. Two Steering Committees have been established for the PEACE III Programme, one for each priority. Like the Monitoring Committee they are composed on a partnership basis.

Where can I find information on the gender composition of the Monitoring Committees, the Steering Committees and other associated Working Groups?

The main committees and working groups are:

PEACE III Monitoring Committee
INTERREG IVA Monitoring Committee
PEACE III Steering Committee
INTERREG IVA Steering Committee
PEACE II Monitoring Committee
INTERREG IIIA Monitoring Committee
PEACE II Steering Committee
INTERREG IIIA Steering Committee
Monitoring and Evaluation Working Group
Equality Working Group
Environment Working Group
PEACE III and INTERREG IVA Review Panels

The PEACE III and INTERREG IVA Operational Programmes state that a 40% female representation on the Monitoring Committee would be desirable. While there is no set representation target for the Steering Committee and other Working Groups, the SEUPB will continue to promote enhanced female representation. The SEUPB will also endeavour to encourage nominating bodies to redress any gender imbalance when appointing new members throughout the lifetime of the programmes.

Figures detailing the gender breakdown for any of the committees or working groups mentioned above can be obtained by contacting our Information Officer on +44 (0)28 9026 6660.

In what ways would PEACE III address the individual issues of key groups that have been identified in previous programmes?

Priority 1 of the PEACE III Programme aims to reconcile communities. The needs of key groups are addressed through the implementation of two themes:

Building Positive Relations at the Local Level
Acknowledging and Dealing with the Past

Priority 1 Theme 1 is delivered at a local level through action plans which are developed to take specific account of the needs of the area covered following consultation with local communities. The theme also includes calls for project applications covering the entire region administered directly by the SEUPB. Further information on local action plans can be obtained from Local Authority contacts listed in the following document.Cluster contact details

Priority 1 Theme 2 is delivered by Pobal and the Community Relations Council. Further information on applications under this theme may be obtained from Pobal +353 (0) 47 71340 or the Community Relations Council +44 (0)28 9022 7500.

The projects will undertake a range of activities such as development of cross-community and cross-border events challenging sectarian attitudes, addressing barriers to economic and social participation, offering trauma and counselling services, and stimulating awareness of diversity and involvement of minority groups.

What is the role of Pobal and the Community Relations Council (CRC) in the implementation of PEACE III?

The SEUPB invited a single tender from the Consortium of Pobal and the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council. These organisations were identified in the Operational Programme due to their statutory remit, relevant experience and expertise in the relevant area.

Pobal and CRC have been appointed to implement Priority 1, Theme 2 Acknowledging and Dealing with the Past and are responsible for the following:

Issuing calls for proposals in line with the criteria defined in the Operational Programme and agreed by the Monitoring Committee;
Assessing project proposals for consideration by the relevant Steering Committees;
Issuing contracts of funding to successful project applicants;
Maintaining monitoring records and entering these into the database;
Carrying out pre-contracting checks, administrative verifications of each claim, and on the spot verifications; and
Acting as the Controller as defined in Article 16 of Council Regulation (EU) No 1080/2006.

What are the local council clusters? What is their make-up and how were they decided upon?

Local council clusters are groups of local councils in Northern Ireland who have come together to develop action plans for their areas. These action plans have been submitted for approval to the SEUPB and will provide the basis for distribution of PEACE III funding under Priority 1 Theme 1 Building Positive Relations at the Local Level, until 2010. In the Border Region the Theme is delivered by County Councils, therefore clustering has been unnecessary. Clusters in Northern Ireland were developed by the councils themselves (‘self-clustering’) with guidance and support from the SEUPB. The boundaries for the PEACE III Programme are indicated in the map below. Clusters will administer funding within the theme until 2010.

Image Showing PEACE III Boundaries

How can I access funding under PEACE III?

Given the strategic focus of the PEACE III Programme, there are new methods of interaction available between projects and the Programme.

Should any projects wish to access PEACE III funding they can deal directly with either CRC/Pobal who are implementing Priority 1.2 Acknowledging and Dealing with the Past of the PEACE III Programme by telephoning Pobal on +353 (0) 47 71340 or the Community Relations Council on +44 (0)28 9022 7500, or alternatively projects can access funding through the Local Authority Clusters who have submitted local action plans for PEACE III funding. Details of the Local Authority Clusters can be obtained by contacting +44 (0)28 8225 5750.

What has been done to address equality in the PEACE III Programme?

The SEUPB has established an Equality Working Group. The Group will provide advice and guidance on equality issues to the Monitoring Committee and will monitor the equality impact of the structural funds programmes.

What have been the activities of the Equality Working Group so far?

The Equality Working Group has agreed the terms of reference, issued a draft Guidance note to accountable departments for consideration, considered draft Monitoring and Evaluation Plans for each programme and are currently devising a programme of work.

How does the SEUPB plan to address the PEACE III Equality Impact Assessment recommendation to increase the participation of men in the programme?

Ongoing annual evaluation will take place on projects and a Mid Term Evaluation of PEACE III will be conducted in 2010. It is expected that Equality Monitoring data will be assessed on an annual basis and will highlight any issues in relation to gender imbalances. The SEUPB will proceed to take appropriate action to address any issues that arise.

What plans does the SEUPB have in place to address the recommendations raised in the Border Protestant Community and the EU PEACE Programmes Report?

The SEUPB commissioned an assessment of the impact of PEACE II funding received by the Border Protestant Community. The report concluded by making recommendations on how future funding programmes could contribute to addressing the needs of this community.

The key recommendations of the report and the actions taken by the SEUPB in response are detailed below.

Recommendation: Funding cross-community projects, especially on a cross-border basis, should be prioritised to support both communities together in building a partnership for a shared society

Actions taken: The PEACE III Programme’s overall objective, priorities and themes are consistent with the study’s conclusion. The report has been made available to the Border Region clusters responsible for developing local Peace Action Plans and it is envisaged that this study will impact upon the development of those plans.

Recommendation: The Border Protestant Community should be formally named as a target group of the PEACE III Programme

Actions taken: The PEACE III Operational Programme clearly identifies target groups, in particular:
“people who have been excluded or marginalised from economic, social and civil networks as a result of problems related to sectarianism, racism and the conflict (this includes, inter alia, a focus on young people, women, older people and minority communities)”.
As a minority community the Border Protestant Community is included in this definition.

Recommendation: Provision should be made in the PEACE III Programme for single identity funding

Actions taken: PEACE III aims to support those projects that contribute to the achievement of the programmes aims and objectives, and provisions have been made for single identity work to be funded where appropriate.

Recommendation: Dedicated community development resources should be established

Actions taken: Establishing and/or improving community development resources are consistent with the PEACE III Programme objectives.

Is there an appeal mechanism for rejected applications?

Following the decision to reject an application, the applicant will be informed in writing stating the reasons for the decision. The Steering Committee will justify the decision and the applicant will be officially notified by the SEUPB Joint Technical Secretariat (JTS) in writing stating the reasons for the decision.

Should an applicant wish to appeal the decision of the Steering Committee a Review Procedure will be implemented and administered by a Review Panel which will be constituted independently of the Steering Committees.

Further details on the Review Procedure can be found in the following guidance note.

PEACE III Guidance Note 2 on Project Review

Where can I find information on calls for proposals?

Information on calls for proposals can be found on our website www.seupb.eu and will also be announced in a selection of regional and national newspapers: Belfast Telegraph, Irish News, Newsletter, and Irish Independent.

How much money is available from the PEACE III Programme?

A total of €333 million is available in the PEACE III Programme.

This is broken down into indicative amounts per priority as follows:

Theme	Indicative Budget
Building positive relations at the local level	€140 million
Acknowledging and dealing with the past	€50 million
Creating shared public spaces	€82 million
Developing key institutional capacities for a shared society	€40 million

€21 million has been allocated to technical assistance, focusing on two areas: programme information and publicity, and management, monitoring and evaluation of the PEACE III Programme.

Will there be PEACE III funding available for rural communities?

The PEACE III Programme is designed specifically to reinforce progress towards a peaceful and stable society and to promote reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland. Whilst rural communities are not specifically targeted in the programme they can still apply for funding where it is clearly demonstrated that the objectives of the programme are being met.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is responsible for managing the Rural Development Programme which specifically addresses issues in rural communities. More information can be obtained from the DARD website www.dardni.gov.uk

Where can I find information on the progress of the PEACE II Programme?

Our Annual Implementation Report (AIR) for the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland 2000-2006 (PEACE II) outlines the general progress made to the implementation of the programme. A hard copy of the most recent AIR can be obtained by contacting us on +44 (0)28 9026 6660. Historic AIR’s can be accessed via our website www.seupb.eu

When are projects supported under the PEACE II funding due to finish?

The programming period for PEACE II came to an end 31 December 2008.

What are the latest findings for community uptake of the PEACE II Programme?

The SEUPB commissioned Trutz Haase to conduct the Community Uptake Analysis of PEACE II Report (2007) which analysed the allocation of funding in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland. The report concluded:

The greater estimated uptake of funding by the Catholic community reflects, first and foremost, the higher levels of deprivation in Catholic areas and, to a lesser extent, the greater tendency of people living in these areas to apply for funding.
There is no residual direct effect from the religious composition of an area to the amount of funding received; therefore there is no bias in the distribution of funds.
PEACE II appears to have achieved greater cross-community support than PEACE I. This is reflected in both a larger share of applications originating within the Protestant community and an increase in the Protestant community’s share of funding (47.4 per cent at the end of 2006).
The slightly higher Catholic share of funding during the PEACE II Extension is largely explained by the fact that the extension of the programme contained a significantly smaller share of large and economically-oriented projects. The Community Uptake Analyses have consistently shown that Protestants tend to receive a greater share of funding under the larger and economically-oriented funding priorities, whilst Catholics receive a larger share under the socially and inclusion-oriented priorities.

The SEUPB will continue to monitor and assess community uptake in the PEACE III Programme.

What funding have projects that engage and deal with victims groups received to date?

Under the PEACE II Programme (including the Extension) €22,656,605 has been awarded to known victims groups. However, funding totalling €2,924,059 has been awarded for projects which, although not specifically victims groups, are aimed specifically at victims. (This is based on a download from the central database on 15 July 2008. The database is live and dynamic and is reliant on funding bodies to provide and update information. An exchange rate of £1 = €1.55 has been used for PEACE II and £1 = €1.45 for the PEACE II Extension.)

Further detailed information and figures on victims groups can be obtained by contacting our Information Officer on +44 (0)28 9026 6660.

What funding have projects that engage and deal with ex-prisoner groups received to date?

Under the PEACE II Programme (including the Extension) €18,453,307 has been awarded to ex-prisoners groups. However, funding totalling €2,835,127 has been awarded for projects which, although not specifically ex-prisoners groups, are aimed specifically at ex-prisoners. (This is based on a download from the Central Database on 17 May 2008. The database is live and dynamic and is reliant on funding bodies to provide and update information. An exchange rate of £1 = €1.55 has been used for PEACE II and £1 = €1.45 for the PEACE II Extension.)

Further detailed information and figures on ex-prisoner groups can be obtained by contacting our Information Officer on +44 (0)28 9026 6660.

What consultation was there for the current programming period?

During the formal consultation period, extensive consultation was held with social partners and other stakeholders through the region. Publicly advertised consultation events were organised in Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and in Scotland. Sixty written responses were submitted and published on the SEUPB’s website.

What are the aims of the INTERREG IVA Programme?

The aims of the INTERREG IVA Programme are:

To strengthen and deepen cross-border co-operation by supporting strategic plans and projects which maximise the impact of funds;
To support strategic cross-border co-operation for a more prosperous region; and
To improve access to services to enhance the quality of life for those living in the eligible area.

What are the priorities of the INTERREG IVA Programme?

The INTERREG IVA Programme will be delivered through the following two priorities:

Priority 1 Co-operation for a more prosperous cross-border region – to diversify and develop the economy by encouraging innovation and competitiveness in enterprise and business development and promoting tourism; and

Priority 2 Co-operation for a sustainable cross-border region – to support activities that promote cross-border co-operation in policy development and improve access to services to improve the quality of life for those living in the eligible area.

What is the difference between a Monitoring Committee and a Steering Committee?

What is the difference between a Monitoring Committee and a Steering Committee?The Monitoring Committee is the overall governing and decision making body for the programmes. Members of the Monitoring Committee include representatives of organisations from sectoral interest such as business, Trade Unions, the voluntary, environmental and equality sectors. It reviews progress and considers possible changes to the programme where necessary. A key responsibility is to approve criteria and processes for selecting projects within regulatory requirements.

The INTERREG IVA Monitoring Committee has delegated responsibility for project selection to the Steering Committee. This committee assesses all project applications and considers fit with programme objectives. Two Steering Committees have been established for the INTERREG IVA Programme, one for each priority. Like the Monitoring Committee they are composed on a partnership basis.

Where can I find information on the gender composition of the Monitoring Committees, the Steering Committees and other associated Working Groups?

The main committees and working groups are:

PEACE III Monitoring Committee
INTERREG IVA Monitoring Committee
PEACE III Steering Committee
INTERREG IVA Steering Committee
PEACE II Monitoring Committee
INTERREG IIIA Monitoring Committee
PEACE II Steering Committee
INTERREG IIIA Steering Committee
Monitoring and Evaluation Working Group
Equality Working Group
Environment Working Group
PEACE III and INTERREG IVA Review Panels

The PEACE III and INTERREG IVA Operational Programmes state that a 40% female representation on the Monitoring Committee would be desirable. While there is no set representation target for the Steering Committee and other Working Groups, the SEUPB will continue to promote enhanced female representation. The SEUPB will also endeavour to encourage nominating bodies to redress any gender imbalance when appointing new members throughout the lifetime of the programmes.

Figures detailing the gender breakdown for any of the committees or working groups mentioned above can be obtained by contacting our Information Officer on +44 (0)28 9026 6660.

What has been done to address equality in the INTERREG IVA Programme?

The SEUPB has established an Equality Working Group. The Group will provide advice and guidance on equality issues to the Monitoring Committee and will monitor the equality impact of the structural funds programmes.

What have been the activities of the Equality Working Group so far?

The Equality Working Group has agreed the terms of reference, issued a draft Guidance note to accountable departments for consideration, considered draft Monitoring and Evaluation Plans for each programme and are currently devising a programme of work.

How does the SEUPB plan to monitor and address the Equality Impact Assessment?

Ongoing annual evaluation will take place on projects and a Mid Term Evaluation will take place in 2010. It is expected that Equality Monitoring data will be assessed on an annual basis and will highlight any issues in relation to gender imbalances. Appropriate action will then be taken to address any issues that arise.

Is there an appeal mechanism for rejected applications?

Following the decision to reject an application, the applicant will be informed in writing stating the reasons for the decision. The Steering Committee will justify the decision and the applicant will be officially notified by the SEUPB Joint Technical Secretariat (JTS) in writing stating the reasons for the decision.

Should an applicant wish to appeal the decision of the Steering Committee a Review Procedure will be implemented and administered by a Review Panel which will be constituted independently of the Steering Committees.

Further details on the Review Procedure can be found in the following guidance note.

INTERREG IVA_Guidance Note 2_On Project Review

Where can I find information on calls for proposals?

Information on calls for proposals can be found on our website www.seupb.eu and will also be announced in a selection of regional and national newspapers: Belfast Telegraph, Irish News, Newsletter, and Irish Independent. Calls for INTERREG IVA proposals will also be announced in the Glasgow Herald.

How integrated is Western Scotland in the INTERREG IVA Programme?

Following a re-definition of maritime borders by the European Union, a distinctive aspect of this programme is the inclusion of Western Scotland, and the opportunity to promote co-operation between Scotland/Ireland/Northern Ireland. The inclusion of Scotland for the first time in this programme adds a new and innovative aspect by giving an opportunity to develop the traditional cultural, economic and social links between Ireland/Scotland/Northern Ireland and build on the experiences, knowledge and competencies of the three areas.

The eligibility of Western Scotland is due to Ireland, not Northern Ireland so that all projects that involve Scottish partners must also involve partners from (or create benefit in) Ireland. However, all projects that involved Western Scotland and Ireland must also involve Northern Ireland.

How much money is available from the INTERREG IVA Programme?

A total of €256 million is available in the INTERREG IVA Programme.

This is broken down into indicative amounts per priority as follows:

Theme	Indicative Budget
Enterprise	€70 million
Tourism	€30 million
Collaboration	€65 million
Infrastructure	€75 million

€16 million has been allocated to technical assistance, focusing on two areas: programme information and publicity, and management, monitoring and evaluation of the INTERREG IVA Programme.

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FAQ (Frequently asked questions)