Speaking following the meeting Mr McGuinness said: “This visit is another indication of the interest shown in this region by the European institutions as we work towards a more peaceful and prosperous society. The Regional Development Committee has played a significant role in Northern Ireland receiving substantial funds to build a better future for all.”
Mr Robinson said: “We are determined to participate fully as an EU region and this morning was a good opportunity to tell the Committee that Northern Ireland wants business success. With the help of the work of the EU Commission Task Force announced by President Barroso on 1 May and the funding available under our EU Programmes for 2007-13, we want Northern Ireland to have a dynamic, enterprising and innovative economy to which everyone in the region can contribute and from which all can benefit.”
The Committee on Regional Development is responsible for European regional policy, assessing its impact on economic and social cohesion. MEPs Jim Nicholson and Bairbre de Brun are members of the committee and are part of the visiting delegation.
The committee is undertaking a four day visit to Northern Ireland and the North West of Ireland to review the use of European funding. It will look at activities funded under the European Structural Funds for the period up to 2006 and arrangements for the forthcoming programmes which began this year. The committee will meet with representatives from the Special EU Programmes Body, the International Fund for Ireland and the North South Ministerial Council Secretariat as well as cross-border partnership groups during its visit.
Northern Ireland has benefited from significant levels of European funding in the past. The new EU programming period (2007-2013) brings reductions in funding levels to the more established Member States and regions following enlargement of the European Union.
Notes to Editors:
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