Devolution brings opportunities in Europe for NI

Two Stormont Ministers have hailed the opportunities devolution has brought to Northern Ireland.

Denis Haughey and Dermot Nesbitt, Ministers in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister spoke of the benefits the power sharing government in Northern Ireland brought at a reception for the Committee of the Regions Commission on Thursday November 22.

The Committee of the Regions (CoR) is made up of 222 representatives of regional and local bodies from the Member States of the European Union. Sixteen places are allocated to England, four to Scotland, two to Wales and two to Northern Ireland. The CoR was created to give regional and local interests a greater voice in Europe, and must be consulted by the European Commission or Council in a number of areas when they propose the introduction of legislation.

Mr Haughey said: “Devolution has provided us with a stronger identity as a region which means we can operate much more effectively in the outside world. The Administration here is actively considering Northern Ireland’s role in Europe, and we want to contribute to developments in Europe through active participation.”

“The Committee of the Regions is a key body for regions like ourselves. It offers the opportunity to influence key issues affecting us all, and allows us to make important regional connections.”

Mr Nesbitt said: “We are very conscious of the strength of the connection between Northern Ireland and the rest of Europe. There is no doubt about the significance of the EU to us. It represents the biggest market for our goods and it offers the possibility of participation as a region within the member state.

“During the years of conflict here, the EU provided support to assist the transition towards peace. That support came in the form of practical financial help through the Structural Fund measures, a number of community initiatives and the Peace Programme monies which were specifically targeted at our community divide.

“These programmes have been of significance in establishing partnership arrangements within and across communities. We have much to thank the EU for. The best way of paying back the debt of support that we owe is to participate actively in the EU, and we intend to do that.” (AMcE)