§ 2. Mr. Bill O'Brien (Normanton)If she will make a statement on the contribution of the European Community to an outcome in the peace negotiations in Northern Ireland. [40680]
§ 10. Mr. David Hanson (Delyn)What discussions she is having with the European Union with regard to measures to assist the peace process. [40689]
§ The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Marjorie Mowlam)The European Union played an essential part in the process that led to the agreement on Good Friday. More than £1.3 billion has been given to Northern Ireland from the structural funds, the International Fund for Ireland and the peace and reconciliation programme, allowing 10,000 community groups across the divide to build confidence and trust between them.
§ Mr. O'BrienI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, and join her in thanking the EU for its contribution to the development of peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland. Does she share my view that a substantial number of people in the EU—as in the United Kingdom—want a substantial yes vote in the referendum that will be held in the very near future? Will she tell us a little more about how the EU can develop the prosperity of Northern Ireland, and the peace accord?
§ Marjorie MowlamI join my hon. Friend in acknowledging European support, and I hope and believe that there is a chance for a peaceful future for the people of Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland.
I could go into great detail about the EU's impact, but I will choose just two examples. The money has been given via district partnerships, of which there are 26 in Northern Ireland. Political parties, community groups, trade unions and businesses from both sides of the political divide have sat down to allocate that money, which has proved an important confidence-building measure.
Good examples of how the money has been used are the sort of groups that were represented this morning at the launch of Sir Kenneth Bloomfield's report on victims, entitled "We Will Remember Them". Several such groups, such as WAVE and Lifeline, have been funded by the European Union.
§ Mr. William Ross (East Londonderry)We are grateful for the sums received from the Common Market, especially the money spent at grass-roots level. We are equally grateful for the expenditure announced by the Chancellor yesterday. But does the Secretary of State also recall that agriculture, the most important industry in Northern Ireland, is suffering grievously from the high value of the pound and the lack of movement on the green pound issue? May we shortly expect an announcement to resolve some of agriculture's financial difficulties?
§ Marjorie MowlamI thank the hon. Gentleman for acknowledging the importance and value of the Chancellor's package, which has been six to eight months in the making. It includes an acknowledgement of the 359 need to help the beef industry in Northern Ireland—£2 million for the marketing of beef—in the hope that, when the Commission's report and conclusions are eventually published, this crucial market for Northern Ireland can be restored.
§ Mr. HansonDoes my right hon. Friend agree that the European Union is in a unique position to support the efforts of the British and Irish Governments to maintain and develop the peace process? Can she give us any details of how the latest 100 mecu announced by the EU will be used in 1999 to support the peace process after the referendum?
§ Marjorie MowlamThe 100 mecu which President Santer announced on a recent visit is a welcome and important package—although it is still going through the European Parliament, so nothing is definite yet. The groups funded by the EU are considering how to make community groups sustainable without being dependent on external resources, if the money does not continue to flow in ad infinitum.
§ Mr. Michael Fabricant (Lichfield)I welcome the EU's financial contribution, which is much needed, but will the right hon. Lady also acknowledge that it is the unique position of the United States of America, which shares a common language, heritage and understanding of the English legal system, that put it in a position to co-chair the peace talks?
§ Marjorie MowlamIt is important to acknowledge the significance both of America and the EU—it does not help to play one off against the other. Both have helped tremendously, in terms of markets, investment and direct financial help, to build communities and communication from the bottom up.