§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the budget of the Waterways Ireland Cross-Border Implementation Body was increased by 6.3 per cent between 2002 and 2003; what information was used to facilitate the increase; and whether the proportion of contributions has changed. [HL1715]
§ Baroness AmosWaterways Ireland operates in euros. Its budget for 2002 was set at 37.24 million euros or £21.99 million using an exchange rate of 0.59.
The budget for 2003 was set in euros at 35.89 million euros or £22.61 million using an exchange rate of 0.63. Unfortunately, the Answer given by my predecessor the late Lord Williams of Mostyn on 10 March 2003 (WA 163) was incorrect due to an administrative error. The Answer stated the agreed allocation to Waterways Ireland for 2002 as £21.26 million. As stated above, the correct figure is £21.99 million. I apologise for this inadvertent mistake.
Comparison of the sterling equivalents shows an apparent increase, however this is simply a consequence of a movement in the relevant exchange rate. The underlying budget decreased by 1.35 million euros or 3.6 per cent.
The budget for 2003 was based on a business plan submitted by the body to the sponsoring departments north and south.
The agreement on apportionment of costs between the two jurisdictions is that Northern Ireland contributes 15 per cent of the running costs of the body and the Republic of Ireland contributes 85 per cent. Each government funds 100 per cent of the capital costs of projects undertaken in their jurisdiction. This formula has not changed.