Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, welcomes the visit of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to Brussels, and praises EU support for the Northern Ireland peace process
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, welcomes the visit of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to Brussels, and praises EU support for the Northern Ireland peace process
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern, today welcomed the visit to Brussels of First Minister, Reverend Ian Paisley, and deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, where they will meet with the President of the European Commission and hold a range of other senior level meetings.
“The visit provides an opportunity for all of us to recognise the supporting role played by the EU throughout the search for peace in Northern Ireland and now as partners for peace and prosperity with the new Northern Ireland Executive” Minister Ahern said.
“The EU has provided strong financial and moral support to Northern Ireland and to the border counties over the past two decades. The Commission Task Force marks a welcome new phase of engagement in light of the positive political developments in Northern Ireland.”
The Minister continued: “The two Governments have long enjoyed a partnership with the EU and it has provided an arena over the years which has helped to contribute to the excellent bilateral relations in place today”
Note for Editors:
The European Union has contributed almost €1.5bn to Northern Ireland and the Border Counties to date. This has been delivered through the successful Peace Programmes (PEACE I and II) and the International Fund for Ireland. The new PEACE III Programme runs from 2007-2013 and, with a contribution from both Governments, will distribute €333 million to projects.
During his visit to Belfast in May 2007, European Commission President Manuel Barroso announced the establishment of a Commission Task Force on Northern Ireland to look at how to improve Northern Ireland’s access to and participation in Community policies and programmes.
++ENDS
10th January 2008
Press Office
