§ 2. Shona McIsaac (Cleethorpes)What consultation she is having in Northern Ireland on the future of EU structural funding. [84438]
§ The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office(Mr. Paul Murphy)Consultation with social partners and local interests began last August, when we wrote to about 250 local interests to seek their views on the post-1999 structural funds. That was followed by a conference last week. Further consultation will take place over the coming months.
§ Shona McIsaacI hope that my right hon. Friend will agree that that demonstrates the support in the European Community for peace in Northern Ireland. Does he also agree that if we were ever to adopt any of the narrow-minded, inward-looking, navel-gazing, anti-European policies of the Conservative party, we would seriously jeopardise the peace process?
§ Mr. MurphyI agree that our membership of the European Union has been a major factor in helping to bring about peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. May I also say something about the Berlin settlement? It is unique: it has no equivalent elsewhere in the European Union. The special peace programme amounts to about £260 million, and I believe that it gives us an opportunity to bring about a peaceful, positive and stable society in Northern Ireland.