§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to ensure that the allocation of further European Union funds in Northern Ireland reflects the level of deprivation and grass roots needs and involvement. [31431]
§ Sir John WheelerRegarding the special support programme for peace and reconciliation, the guidelines for the initiative state that all communities should benefit while focusing on the areas and sections of the population suffering most acute deprivation. This is reflected in the programme recently submitted to the European Commission. To ensure that grass roots needs are reflected, the Government have carried out an extensive round of consultation with interested bodies and individuals, which has been invaluable in drafting the programme. Grass roots interests will continue to be involved both through continued consultation during implementation and the mechanisms used to deliver the programme. In implementing the single programme document and Community initiatives programmes agreed for Northern Ireland over the period 1994 to 1999, due consideration is given to addressing deprivation and social need on the basis of specific criteria laid down and approved by the European Commission within the SPD and other programme documents.