During the summer, I received representations from representatives of the cross border Partnerships outlining concerns about their role in the new Ireland/Northern Ireland/Western Scotland INTERREG IVA programme. Representations were also made to Mr Peter Robinson, Minister for Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland. My Department and the Department of Finance & Personnel in Northern Ireland asked the Programme's Managing Authority, the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) to produce a full report on the issues raised. In reply I indicated my expectation that the capacity and experience of the Partnerships will place them in an ideal position to enable them to gain a significant share of Programme funds in the new round.
We also asked that a meeting be arranged between all five Partnerships and officials from the SEUPB, the Department of Finance and Personnel and my Department. This took place on 14 September and I asked my officials to reiterate then my clear intention that the Partnerships would continue to have a significant role in INTERREG IVA. I understand that a comprehensive discussion on the role and practical arrangements for the new Programme took place at that meeting and that the Partnerships were reassured as regards their role.
I have asked the SEUPB and my officials to continue to fully engage with the Partnerships and all those involved in the new Programme to help ensure a smooth rollout as early as possible before the end of 2007.