§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the future European Structural Funds regime for Northern Ireland. [31946]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyUnder the proposed post-1999 reforms, qualifying for Objective 1 status will be more difficult because Northern Ireland's GDP will exceed the 75 per cent. maximum proposed by the Commission. Northern Ireland's Objective 1 status has been vital over the past years and there is a continuing need for substantial EU support after 1999, commensurate with the region's special circumstances, to help in adapting the region's economy to peace.