UK Referendum on EU Membership

Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016

Friday, 16 September 2016

Questions (931)

Brendan Smith

Question:

931. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the recent concerns expressed by the Finance Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the provision of EU funds for Peace IV and INTERREG, in view of the suggested cut off date of November 2016 by the British Treasury for such projects; if he can provide an assurance that these programmes will continue in operation up to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26272/16]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I am aware of the statement issued by the UK Treasury on 13 August 2016 in relation to the uncertainty surrounding a range of EU funding in the UK as a result of the UK referendum on EU membership. I am also aware of the concerns expressed by the Minister of Finance in Northern Ireland.

Following the result of the UK referendum on EU membership I had an opportunity to meet the Northern Ireland Finance Minister, Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, both at the Plenary meeting of North South Ministerial Council in Dublin Castle and at the NSMC Sectoral meeting for the Special EU Programmes Body in Iveagh House, and we have been in correspondence since. We are both committed to the successful implementation of the PEACE and INTERREG programmes for the period up to 2020 and are working to ensure that outcome.