EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIPS KEY TO INFLUENCE IN EUROPE

Developing effective relationships with European partners is crucial for the economic development of Northern Ireland. That’s one of the issues that the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister will be discussing on their visit to Brussels.

During their visit, the Committee Members will also be briefed on the Lisbon Treaty and on the work of the Barroso Taskforce.

Speaking before leaving for meetings at the European Commission and the European Parliament, Chairperson of the Committee, Mr Danny Kennedy, MLA said, “This visit is very important to developing our relationships within the European Community.

“The Committee wishes to play its part and will be meeting with the British and Irish Ambassadors to the European Union and senior officials from the European Commission, to discuss how Northern Ireland can contribute to, and benefit from, an expanding Europe.

“The European Union is also an increasing source of legislation on matters that affect our every day lives. The Committee will therefore be examining how we can maximise Northern Ireland’s influence on the shape of forthcoming European legislation.”

The aim of the Committee’s visit is to develop a more detailed understanding of how the European Institutions work and to examine ways in which Northern Ireland can maximise its influence in Europe.

During a packed two day schedule the Committee will also be briefed on the EU institutions, the work of the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Europe and on the Commission’s work programme to tackle discrimination.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1.The Committee for the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister is responsible for scrutinising strategic policy on European issues and will be considering proposals for the establishment of a European sub-committee early in the next Assembly session.

2. The visit, which will include meetings at the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels, the European Commission and the European Parliament, will take place on 24 and 25 June 2008.

3. The following Members of the Committee will be participating in the visit.

Danny Kennedy, Chairperson
Francie Molloy
Jim Shannon
Jimmy Spratt

Media enquiries should be addressed to:

Debra Savage
Press Officer
NI Assembly
Tel: 028 90521405
Mobile : 07920 864221
Email: debra.savage@niassembly.gov.uk