Brussels officedoesn’t targetNW specially

The Ministers said the main goal of the office is to further the aims of the Executive’s Programme for Government through engagement with the European institutions in Brussels.

They said this benefits the region as a whole, including the North West.

“For example, the office supports the Department of Finance and Personnel as the lead policy department in their contribution to the current Structural Funds negotiations (including those for PEACE IV) for the 2014 -2020 funding period. We will all benefit, including those in the North West, from the ensuing new programmes,” they stated.

SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey wanted to know what targetted work it was carrying out on behalf of the North West, with specific reference to Derry, in accessing European funding.

The Ministers said: “The office also facilitates contact between the EU institutions in Brussels and non governmental and local government sectors here which naturally includes the North West.

“For these sectors it has facilitated networking events and the showcasing of achievements arising out of EU funding.

“This work is important in helping secure future partners, enhancing the reputation of those sectors involved and ultimately enhances the chances of sectors, including those in the North West, securing future funding.”

Four new desk officers have been appointed to the office part of whose role is to increase departmental engagement with elective European funding programmes.

“These funding programmes are open to all EU member States and are often targeted at sectors representing local interests,” the Ministers explained.