§ 15. Ms Estelle MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what meetings he has had with European commissioners to discuss the distribution of resources under the special support programme for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. [19622]
§ Sir John WheelerMy right hon. and learned Friend has discussed the special support programme for peace and reconciliation with the President of the European Commission, Mr. Jacques Santer, and the Commissioner of Regional Policy, Mrs. Monika Wolf-Mathies, during their recent visits to Northern Ireland. Officials have also given views on the funding priorities of the programme.
§ 24. Ms Janet AndersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what meetings he has had with local community organisations in Northern Ireland to discuss the distribution of resources under the European special support programme for peace and reconciliation. [19632]
§ Sir John WheelerMy right hon. and learned Friend has discussed the special programme with representatives of the voluntary sector. In addition, in drawing up proposals for an operational programme, officials are currently involved in an extensive consultation process with interested bodies, including local community 697W organisations. These discussions covered a wide range of issues, including the distribution of resources.
Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which Department organised the conference in Newcastle on 29 March about the European Union fund for Peace and Reconciliation; and how many persons were invited in their capacity as elected members of the district councils. [19935]
§ Sir John WheelerThe conference in Newcastle on 29 March 1995 on the European Union initiative for peace and reconciliation was organised by the Department of Finance and Personnel. A total of 248 invitations were issued, 52 of which were sent to the district councils. It was a matter for individual councils to decide whether elected members or officials would attend.
Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many members of staff of the Labour Relations Agency have been given(a) paid time off work and (b) unpaid time off work to attend the forum for peace and reconciliation in Dublin. [19904]
§ Mr. AncramOne Labour Relations Agency staff member has been given both paid and unpaid time off work, in accordance with the rules governing political activities in the agency's staff handbook, to attend the forum for peace and reconciliation.
Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will consult the Government of the Republic of Ireland about(a) the investment of that part of the EU funding for peace and reconciliation for cross-border projects and (b) the investment of the remaining part of this funding for projects entirely within Northern Ireland. [19906]
§ Sir John WheelerThe special support programme for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic of Ireland will, as laid down in the European Commission's guidelines, be jointly submitted by both member states. This will require consultation and liaison, particularly in respect of the cross-border elements of the programme. The programme will also reflect the outcome of extensive public consultations in Northern Ireland and in the eligible area of the Republic of Ireland.