Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister

Report on Statutory Committee Activity on European Issues

Together with Written Submissions

Ordered by The Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
to be printed 23 February 2011

Report: NIA 48/10/11R
The Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister

Powers and Membership

Powers

The Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is a Statutory Committee established in accordance with paragraphs 8 and 9 of the Belfast Agreement, Section 29 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and under Assembly Standing Order 48. The Committee has a scrutiny, policy development and consultation role with respect to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister and has a role in the initiation of legislation.

The Committee has the power to:

• consider and advise on Departmental Budgets and Annual Plans in the context of the overall budget allocation;
• approve relevant secondary legislation and take the Committee stage of primary legislation;
• call for persons and papers;
• initiate inquiries and make reports; and
• consider and advise on matters brought to the Committee by the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

Membership

The Committee has eleven members, including a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, and a quorum of five members.

The membership of the Committee is as follows:

Mr. Tom Elliott (Chairperson) 11
Dr. Stephen Farry (Deputy Chairperson) 5,6
Ms Martina Anderson
Mr. Allan Bresland 9
Mr. William Humphrey 10
Mr. Danny Kinahan 1,2
Mrs. Dolores Kelly 2,4
Mr. Barry McElduff
Mr. Francie Molloy
Mr. George Robinson 1,3
Mr. Jimmy Spratt

1 with effect from 15 September 2008 Mr Ian McCrea replaced Mr Jim Wells

2 with effect from 29 June 2009 Mr Alex Attwood replaced Mrs. Dolores Kelly

3 with effect from 14 September 2009 Mr George Robinson replaced Mr Ian McCrea

4 with effect from Monday 24 May 2010 Mrs. Dolores Kelly replaced Mr Alex Attwood

5 with effect from Monday 28 June 2010 Mrs. Naomi Long resigned as Deputy Chairperson and member of this Committee

6 with effect from 29th June 2010 Dr Stephen Farry was appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister replacing Mrs. Naomi Long

7 with effect from 1st August 2010 Mr. Jim Shannon (DUP) has resigned from the Committee for Office of the First and deputy First Minister.

8 with effect from 13th September 2010 Mr Trevor Clarke replaced Mr Stephen Moutray

9 with effect from 13th September 2010 Mr Allan Bresland was appointed as a member of the Committee

10 with effect from 4th October 2010 Mr. William Humphrey replaced Mr. Trevor Clarke

11 with effect from 27th October 2010 Mr Tom Elliott replaced Mr Danny Kennedy as Chairperson; Mr Kennedy resigned from the Committee.

12 with effect from 8th November 2010 Mr Danny Kinahan was appointed as a member of the Committee.

Table of Contents

List of Abbreviations used in the Report

Report

Appendix 1

Written Submissions

Appendix 2

Links to Minutes of Evidence

Appendix 3

Responses to Committee’s Report on Consideration of European Issues

List of Abbreviations used in the Report

CAL - Culture, Arts and Leisure

CETI - Committee for Enterprise Trade and Investment

DARD - Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

DCAL - Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure

DEL - Department for Employment and Learning

DETI - Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment

DFP - Department of Finance and Personnel

ERFD - European Regional Development Fund

ESF - European Social Fund

EU - European Union

MEP - Member of European Parliament

NI - Northern Ireland

OECD - Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

OFMDFM - Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister

R&TD - Research and Technology Development

SEUPB - Special European Union Programmes Body

SME - Small and Medium Enterprises

SR - Statutory Rule

UNICEF - United Nations Children’s Fund

Introduction

1. On the 26 January 2010, the Northern Ireland Assembly approved the Report of the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister on its inquiry into the consideration of European issues and called for enhanced engagement and improved interaction with the European institutions to raise the profile of Europe in Northern Ireland.

2. In its Report, the Committee brought forward a total of 12 Actions for the Assembly’s statutory committees and 17 Recommendations for the Speaker, the Assembly Commission and the First Minister and deputy First Minister. Below is a link to the Committee’s Report.

http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/centre/2007mandate/reports/2009/Report_33_09_10R.htm

3. Action 2 of the Committee’s Report stated:

The Assembly’s statutory committees will be responsible for the scrutiny of all European issues of relevance to the committee. In the autumn of each year statutory committees will be requested to provide a report of activity on European issues to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. The Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister will formulate all contributions into one report to the Assembly which will be submitted to the Business Committee for Plenary debate.

4. This report provides an overview of statutory committees’ engagement in Europe and consideration of European policy and legislation. This Report highlights the work of the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister in Europe and provides an update on a number of the actions and recommendations contained in the Report.

5. The Committee agreed to write to all statutory committees at its meeting of 17 November 2010 to request information on their engagement on European issues. A copy of statutory committee responses are at Appendix 1.

Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister

6. The Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister has implemented a number Actions in relation to the Committee’s Report. The Committee continued its engagement with the Northern Ireland representatives in Europe and were briefed in February, March and April 2010 by the Members of the European Economic and Social Committee, Members of the Committee of the Regions and by MEPs Ms Bairbre de Brun and Mrs Diane Dodds. The Committee was also briefed by the Head of the European Commission’s Office in Northern Ireland in February 2010. Links to all of the Minutes of Evidence are included at Appendix 2.

7. At its meeting of 14 April 2010, the Committee considered the Commission’s Legislative and Work Programme and the Europe 2020 Strategy. The Committee forwarded these to all statutory committees for their information and wrote to Northern Ireland’s representatives in Europe to request their views on the Work Programme and Strategy.

8. At its meeting of 26 May 2010, the Committee was briefed by the Assembly’s Research and Library Service on the European Commission’s Legislative and Work Programme, which was part of Action 8 of the Committee’s Report. The Assembly’s Research and Library Service provides support to statutory committees by screening the Commission’s Work Programme, producing a prioritised list of scrutiny topics relevant to each committee and monitoring development of European policy. The Committee considered a number of priorities and it was agreed that the Research team would monitor development on these priorities.

9. On 9-10 June 2010, the Committee undertook a joint visit, with the Assembly Commission, to Brussels to meet with a number of stakeholders and other regional parliaments to discuss how the Assembly could engage better with the European institutions. The Committee met with the Brussels officers from the House of Commons, the House of Lords, the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales and the Houses of Oireachtas to discuss networking and improving communication in Europe. The Committee met with the Northern Ireland MEPs and also met with representatives from the Delegation of the Basque to the European Union and of the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the European Union. The Committee was also briefed on the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, which included poverty indicators and EU targets for alleviating poverty and specifically in relation to people with disabilities.

10. On Thursday 10 June 2010, the Committee held a formal Committee meeting in the Committee of the Regions Offices, in which it took evidence from the Spanish, Belgian and Hungarian Governments on their priorities for their Presidency of the Council of the European Union and particularly priorities in relation to poverty and social inclusion. A link to the Minutes of Evidence can be found at Appendix 2.

11. At its meeting of 23 June 2010, the Committee considered responses to its Committee report from the Assembly Commission and from the Department. Junior Ministers briefed the Committee on the First Minister and deputy First Ministers response to the Committee’s Report. A copy of the responses can be found at Appendix 3.

12. The Committee commenced its second round of regular briefings in October 2010 and was briefed by the Department on its work in Europe and the work of the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels. The Committee was briefed on the terms of reference for a review of the Department’s European Division (Recommendation 16 of the Committee’s Report). The Department also briefed the Committee at its meeting of 16 February 2011, in which it provided the Committee with an update on the review of the European Division and on the Executive’s draft priorities for European engagement. The Committee issued the draft priorities to all statutory committees for comment.

13. Between November 2010 and February 2011, the Committee was briefed by Members of the European Economic and Social Committee, Members of the Committee of the Regions and by MEPs Ms Bairbre de Brun, Mrs Diane Dodds and Mr Jim Nicholson. The Committee was also briefed by the Head of the European Commission’s Office in Northern Ireland. Links to all of the Minutes of Evidence are included at Appendix 2.

14. In November 2010, the Committee were also briefed by the Assembly’s Research and Library Service on the European Commission’s Legislative and Work Programme for 2011.

15. The Committee is due to be briefed by the Assembly Commission in early March 2011 on its work in relation to the recommendations in the Committee’s Report for the Assembly Commission, including a European Engagement Strategy for the Assembly.

16. Over the past year the Committee has considered a number of issues in relation to European issues, including funding drawn down by Northern Ireland from the Seventh Framework Programme in relation to research and development. The Committee was also briefed by the Special European Union Programmes Body on their work and particularly funding from INTERREG IVa and Peace III. The Committee also considered the European Commission’s Communication on the Rights of the Child and forwarded it to all statutory committees for their information.

Other Statutory Committees

17. Correspondence from statutory committees on their work and engagement on European issues are included at Appendix 1. Included below is a brief overview of some of the statutory committees’ work in Europe.

18. The Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development visited Brussels in June 2010 to meet with the Director of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries to discuss the position of local stocks. The Committee also met the Head of Cabinet in the Commission for Agriculture and Rural Development to discuss the penalty in relation to the Single Farm Payment and the reform of the Common Agriculture Policy. The Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development has also considered many policies and legislation influenced by European Directives, including the Common Agriculture Policy, Common Fisheries Policy and Import/Export Regulation.

19. The Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure has received from its Department a number of updates on its work, and the work of its Arms Length Bodies, in relation to European issues. It was also briefed by the Assembly’s Research and Library Service on the European Commission’s Legislative and Work Programme.

20. The Committee for Education were briefed by the Assembly’s Research and Library Services on the European Commission’s Legislative and Work Programme for 2010 and agreed that the Assembly’s Research and Library Services will monitor a number of strategic and priority issues in relation to Education.

21. The Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment were updated on the work of its Department in relation to its work in Europe and in particular the EU Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for NI 2007-13, INTERRREG IVa and the Seventh Framework Programme.

22. The Committee for Employment and Learning has received regular updates from its Department on the management of the European Social Fund and how the Department has ensured there is uptake of relevant European programmes.

23. The Committee for the Environment has considered a number of statutory rules which had a European dimension and considered a number of consultation papers and other issues in relation to Europe and European Directives.

24. The Committee for Finance and Personnel has considered a number of European matters including a number of policies and legislation influenced by European Directives in areas such as public procurement and building regulations. The Committee also co-sponsored a plenary motion, debated on 22 April 2010, which sought to highlight the delays in the implementation of the INTERREG IVa Programme and the subsequent problems faced by projects.

25. The Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety were briefed by the Assembly’s Research and Library Service on the European Commission’s Legislative and Work Programme and considered a number of Statutory Rules which transposed EU legislation.

26. The Committee for Regional Development has been briefed on a number of matters which have been directly influenced by European Directives in relation to water and roads.

27. At its meeting of 23 February 2011 the Committee agreed and ordered the report to be printed.

Appendix 1

Written Submissions from Statutory Committees

List of Respondees

Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development

Committee for Culture Arts and Leisure

Committee for Education

Committee for Employment and Learning

Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment

Committee for the Environment

Committee for Finance and Personnel

Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Committee for Regional Development

Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development

Room 284

Parliament Buildings

Tel: +44 (0)28 9052 1063
Fax: +44 (0)28 9052 1679

From: Paul Carlisle
Clerk to the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development

Date: 19 January 2011

To: Cathie White
Clerk to the Committee for the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister

Subject: Consideration of European Issues

At its meeting of 18 January 2011, the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development approved a report into the Committee’s activity and consideration of European Issues from January 2010 to date.

The Committee agreed to forward this report to the Committee for the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister.

Yours Sincerely

Paul Carlisle

Committee Clerk

Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development
Room 284

Parliament Buildings

Tel: +44 (0)28 9052 1063
Fax: +44 (0)28 9052 1679

From: Paul Carlisle
Clerk to the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development

Date: 19 January 2011

To: Cathie White
Clerk to the Committee for the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister

Subject: Consideration of European Issues Report

Committee Engagement on European Issues – January 2010 to date

1. The Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development visited Brussels in June 2010 to attend meetings with Mr. Ernesto Penas Lado, Director for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries to discuss the position of local stocks, particularly prawns in the Irish Sea and to underline the Committee’s opposition to any further cuts in the December Fisheries Council meeting on quotas. Members also met with Georg Häusler, Head of Cabinet in the Commission for Agriculture and Rural Development to discuss the €60 million penalty faced by Northern Ireland in relation to Single Farm Payment errors and also to discuss reform of the Common Agricultural Policy post 2013. Members were accompanied on the trip by John Thompson, President of the Ulster Farmers’ Union.

2. The Chairperson and other Members of the Committee will be meeting with Gwilym Jones of Commissioner Dacian Ciolos’ Cabinet on 11 January when he visits Northern Ireland. The visit will include discussions in relation to the Commission’s proposals for the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy post 2013 as well as wider issues affecting the Agricultural sector in Northern Ireland.

3. The Committee is planning to travel to Brussels in February 2011 to meet with Commissioner Damanaki in order to discuss the outcome of the December Fisheries Council and will meet with industry stakeholders in advance of this trip.

4. More generally, the scrutiny work of the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development has included a heavy programme of policy and legislation influenced by European Directive. Examples of areas covered include:

• Common Agricultural Policy
• Marketing standards : production, packaging, labelling, transport
• Import/export regulation
• Farming practices in the areas of e.g., use of nitrates, disease control, conditions of farmed animals, animal identification, grading
• Conservation/protection
• Funding/payments to farmers e.g. agri-environment support, single farm payments, dairy fund
• Common Fisheries Policy
• Sea Fishing regulations
• Marine Strategy
• Fisheries Forum

Yours Sincerely

Paul Carlisle

Committee Clerk

Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure

Room 344
Parliament Buildings
Stormont
Ballymiscaw

Belfast BT4 3XX

Tel: +44 (0)28 9052 1602
Fax: +44 (0)28 9052 1355

From: Lucia Wilson
Committee Clerk

Date: 16 December 2010

To: Members

Subject: Committee for the Office of the First and deputy First Minister –
Activity on European Issues

At the meeting of the 25 November 2010, Members considered a memo from the Committee for the Office of the First and deputy First Minister, requesting that all statutory Committees provide them with details of any Committee activity on European issues.

It was agreed that the CAL Committee’s activity would be complied for Members information and agreed in advance of the 16 December deadline.

All information gathered from statutory Committees on this issue will be gathered and published in an OFMdFM Committee report.

Lucia Wilson

Clerk
Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure

Activity on European Issues

The Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure has engaged with other European Countries on a wide-range of current issues; namely, learning from Finland on its physical activity participation rates, the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on human rights issues surrounding Regional and Minority Languages and submitting to the European Union’s Culture Programme Consultation for 2014 – onwards.

Audio Conference with Finland

The Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure published it report on its ‘Inquiry into Participant in Sport and Physical Activity in Northern Ireland’ (NIA 73/09/10R) on 1 July 2010.

Finland has been cited as the European model in dramatically increasing its population engagement in physical activity and participation in sport, and in the mid- 1990s, Finland had the highest heart disease rates in the European Union. However in a the recently published ‘2010 Eurobarometer survey on EU citizens’ sport and physical activity habits’, 72% of Finns were surveyed as taking regular weekly exercise.

On 23 March 2010, the Chairperson and secretariat staff participated in an audio conferencing session at Stormont Castle with a Finnish official from the Ministry of Education. The discussion centred surrounding the strategies adopted by the government in Finland to successfully increase participation in sport and physical activity in their country.

Evidence gathered from this discussion and meeting with stakeholders from this region helped form the basis of the Inquiry’s 24 recommendations.

Council of Europe – European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages

The Committee were contacted by Irish Language groups and Northern Ireland Human Right Commission in relation to the concerns over the non introduction of an Irish Language Act.

The Council of Europe in Strasbourg published its ‘Application of the Charter in the United Kingdom’ in 21 April 2010 which included a report of the Committee of Experts on the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and recommendations on how the Charter could be implemented in the UK.

The findings of the report in relation to this region cited that the St Andrews Agreement Act of 2007 requires the adoption of a strategy to enhance and protect the development of Irish and Ulster Scots, however there is no comprehensive statutory basis for this. However the report stated that there should be a statutory basis for the Irish language, similar to other Part III languages such as Welsh and Scottish Gaelic.

In light of this report, the Committee have held numerous meetings with the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure on his draft Regional or Minority Language Strategy. The Committee is committed to ensure that this important Strategy is brought forward in the promotion of rights and diversity whilst respecting differences.

European Union – Culture Programme 2014 Onwards

The European Union’s Culture Programme for 2014 onwards, is currently out to consultation. The programme is designed to provide Member States with mutual co-operation in cultural matters and issues grants. In relation to current European and global financial developments, the programme hopes to exploit the cultural sector’s potential to contribute to the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

In December 2010, the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure commissioned a research paper on the aspects of the EU Culture Programme and how it relates to the objectives of the Programme for Government’s ‘Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Strategy’.

The Committee wrote to the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure to seek information if it intends to provide a written submission on the EU’s Culture Programme paying particular emphasis on the promotion of culture as a catalyst for creativity, growth and jobs, as well as promotion of diversity of cultural expression, with includes linguistic diversity, as a vital element of international relations.

The Committee currently is looking into the matter of the promotion of the creativity industries by consulting with the Department on the creation of a music royalty collection agency for Northern Ireland and on how the film industry can be promoted here to boost the local economy.

Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure
Room 344
Parliament Buildings
Stormont
Ballymiscaw

Belfast BT4 3XX

Tel: +44 (0)28 9052 1602
Fax: +44 (0)28 9052 1355

From: Lucia Wilson
CAL Committee Clerk

Date: 08 February 2011

To: Cathie White, Clerk to Committee for Office of First Minister,
deputy First Minister

Subject: EU Engagement

Dear Cathie

At the meeting on 03 February 2011 the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure received a briefing from officials from the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure on the subject of EU Engagement.

Members were encouraged to hear of the reinvigoration of the Barosso Taskforce working group which is working on new priorities for EU initiatives and programmes in Northern Ireland to improve competitiveness and create sustainable employment.

Although DCAL is not a managing authority, Officials provided an update on the direct links with Europe in relation to the Fisheries and the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation. Members learned of the regular engagement of Officials with Europe in relation to the north Atlantic salmon stocks.

The Committee learned that DCAL’s Creative Industries team has assisted the Department of Finance and Personnel in encouraging new projects on to the Northern Periphery Area Programme (Interreg) and engage with SEUPB Economists to develop the new Interreg Creative Industries programmes.

The Committee also received a research briefing from Assembly Research and Library Services on European issues relating to culture, arts and leisure. The Committee discussed this paper with DCAL officials and Members sought assurances that DCAL is contributing to relevant policy debates at EU level.

Members welcomed the Department’s appraisal of the ongoing work of DCAL and its arms length bodies in progressing EU issues. The Committee also welcomed the ongoing progress arising from the OFMDFM Committee’s Inquiry into European Issues and ongoing efforts to improve the Assembly’s engagement with Europe.

Lucia Wilson

Clerk
Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure

Committee for Education

Room 241

Parliament Buildings

Tel: +44 (0)28 9052 1655
Fax: +44 (0)28 9052 1371

To: Cathie White
Clerk to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister & deputy First Minister

From: John Simmons
Clerk to the Committee for Education

Date: 15 December 2010

Subject: European Issues

Ref: 362/10/I/02

I refer to your correspondence of 18 November 2010 which the Committee for Education considered at its meeting on 24 November 2010.

The Committee had previously received a briefing dated 23 June 2010 from Assembly Research and Library Services on the European Commission Work Programme 2010 as it affected education and agreed to request an update on this paper.

The Committee considered this issue again at its meeting on 8 December 2010 and agreed I forward to you the attached report on the Committee’s activity on European Issues via its monitoring of relevant European developments affecting education.

John Simmons

Clerk
Committee for Education

Committee for Education
Room 241,
Parliament Buildings,
Ballymiscaw,
Stormont,
Belfast,

BT4 3XX

Tel: (028) 9052 1787
Fax: (028) 9052 1371
E-mail: john.simmons@niassembly.gov.uk

Committee for Education

23 June 2010 – Review of European Issues affecting education

1. None of the strategic initiatives the Commission is committed to adopt in April – December 2010 in Annex I of the 2010 Work Programme were relevant to the work of the Education Committee.

2. Annex II of the 2010 Work Programme gives an indicative list of possible strategic and priority initiatives under consideration. The legislative proposal on Early School Leaving is a potential strategic initiative beyond 2010.

Annex II: Indicative list of possible strategic and priority initiatives under consideration (the initiatives listed cover 2010 and beyond)

3. It is proposed that, to support the work of the Education Committee, the Education Research Officer of the Assembly’s Research and Library Services will monitor development of the two initiatives from the 2010-2014 Work Programme identified above. In addition, they will monitor the development of any new policy proposals, legislative or otherwise, in these broad areas.

4. At a later date, should it become necessary to prioritise initiatives for continued monitoring, the criteria listed below could be employed.

• Legislative versus non-legislative proposal (legislative higher priority)
• Stage in policy development (earlier higher priority)
• Relevance (links to other committee work for example)
• Significance (based on likely impact, for example financial, of initiative in NI)
• relevance to Executive’s Priorities for European Engagement[1]

25 November 2010 – Update on European Issues affecting education

5. In September 2010 there was a communication to the commission from the European Parliament, Council, European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. This was called “Youth on the Move – an initiative to unleash the potential of young people to achieve smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in the European Union." Some of it relates more to DEL but some aspects of relevancy.

6. This puts young people at the centre of the EU’s agenda to create an economy based on knowledge, research and innovation, high levels of education and skills among other aspects. It states that urgent action is needed from Member States to address the challenges faced by young people. The key actions focus on:

• A lifelong learning system. Youth on the Move will support this by, among other actions, proposing a Council Recommendation to encourage Member States to tackle high levels of early school leaving (actions to be taken early, focusing on targeting pupils identified at risk of dropping out)
• Raising % of young people in higher education;
• Support for learning mobility reviewed and expanded;
• A need to improve the employment situation of young people.

7. It calls for better targeting, sustained and enhanced levels of investment in education and training.

8. It also states that it will present a communication to strengthen early childhood education and care, and that a high level expert group will be established to make recommendations on improving literacy.

[1]http://www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/priorities_for_european_enagagement-_action_plan_2008-2009__3mb_-2.pdf

Committee for Employment and Learning

Room 245

Parliament Buildings

Tel: +44 (0)28 9052 0379
Fax: +44 (0)28 9052 1433

To: Cathie White
Clerk to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister

From: Peter Hall
Clerk to the Employment and Learning Committee

Date: 3rd February 2011

Subject: Committee scrutiny of European issues

Cathie,

Firstly, I must apologise for the delay in responding to you with regard to the above. The Committee has been active in scrutinising the activities of the Department for Employment and Learning regarding European issues.

As you are aware, DEL is responsible for the management of the European Social Fund in Northern Ireland. Members have sought regular updates from DEL as to how efficiently and promptly ESF monies are being dispersed to recipients. Currently the Committee is pursuing an explanation of DEL’s 25% cut to ESF monies when the ESF pot remains unchanged.

Another focus of the Committee’s attention is how well the Department has publicised the funds that are dispensed European Union. There are a number of funds that relate to areas within the DEL remit and the Committee has worked hard to ascertain what the Department is doing to ensure that there is a good uptake of these programmes. The Committee is also looking at ways in which it can help in this endeavour by engaging stakeholders groups and raising awareness of available EU funds.

In addition, the Committee has sought clarification from the SEUPB and the Executive’s office in Brussels as to their roles and functions. Members have then ensured that this information has been passed on to stakeholder groups.

It is anticipated that the Committee will expand on this scrutiny work in the next session.

Regards,

Peter Hall

Committee Clerk

Deti Response to Letter of 18 November 2010 Requesting a Report to the Ofmdfm Committee on European Issues

1.0 Background

1.1 The Structural Funds are the European Unions principal instrument for supporting economic and social inclusion, i.e. the goal of ensuring that the benefits of European economic prosperity are spread to all parts of the European Union. The funds aim to reduce regional disparities in terms of income, wealth and opportunities.

1.2 DETI is the Managing Authority for the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme 2007-2013, and is the Northern Ireland Accountable Department for elements of the Interreg IV Programme. These Programmes complement the Department’s strategy for economic growth and its wider objectives. In addition, Invest NI facilitates participation in the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) 2007–2013. Further detail on these 3 Programmes is included below.

EU Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for NI 2007- 2013

1.3 DETI acts as Managing Authority for the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland 2007 – 2013 with a total fund of €613.7m, 50% of which comes from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). This €613.7m is fully allocated in terms of activities and programmes planned to be funded.

1.4 The Competitiveness Programme plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of the Northern Ireland Government’s strategy for economic growth. It achieves this by providing necessary funding to promote investment in research & technological development, enterprise and entrepreneurship, renewable energy and energy efficiency and telecoms infrastructure in the overall context of sustainable development.

1.5 Against the designated activities, £197.130m (€226.956m[1]) has been committed through Grant Awards, Letters of Offer and issue of contracts.

1.6 Strict expenditure targets known as N+2 are imposed by the European Commission. Outturn against this target is calculated on the basis of expenditure claimed from the Commission and advance payments received from the Commission. In these terms, DETI has exceeded the cumulative Commission target for 2010 (€97.95m) by €33m (€130.952m).

1.7 The Programme is delivered through 3 main priorities.

1.8 Priority 1 (€320m), is delivered through Invest NI and supports Sustainable Competitiveness and Innovation. It is focussed on raising the level and quality of Research &Technology Development (R&TD), exploiting the commercial opportunities of the R&TD base and promoting and mainstreaming innovation.

1.9 Priority 2 (€210m) is mainly delivered through Invest NI and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. DETI European Programmes Branch also administers an element of this Priority aimed at local Economic Development measures to be brought forward by Local Councils. This Priority focuses on entrepreneurship, tourism and local economic development.

1.10 Priority 3 (€76m) aims to improve accessibility and protect and enhance the environment. The Priority is delivered through programme and project activities managed by DETI Telecoms Policy Unit, DETI Energy Division, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and Invest NI.

1.11 Furthermore, in line with Commission Regulations, a total of €7.667m has been set aside in the Operational Programme to support the management and implementation of the Programme through a Technical Assistance Priority. Eligible activities include preparation, implementation, monitoring and inspection of the Programme as well as evaluation and information and communication activities.

1.12 In keeping with commitments given to the European Commission at the commencement of the Programme, DETI has recently commissioned an independent Mid-Term Evaluation of the Programme. The Evaluators are expected to submit their final form report to the Programme’s Monitoring Committee circa July 2011.

Interreg IVA Programme 2007-13

1.13 The Interreg IVA Programme 2007 - 2013 (Interreg IVA) is a European Union supported Structural Funds programme, which aims to promote greater territorial cohesion between Northern Ireland, the border region of the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and Western Scotland.

1.14 The Programme is administered by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) as Managing Authority, who issue calls for applications under Themes within each Priority.

1.15 DETI acts as the Northern Ireland Accountable Department for enterprise, tourism, energy and telecoms themed projects under Priorities 1 & 2 of the Programme. Priority 1 aims to diversify and develop the economy of the eligible region by encouraging innovation and competitiveness in enterprise and supporting business and tourism development. The sub-theme of Infrastructure under Priority 2 aims to support infrastructure projects in a number of areas including telecommunications and energy.

1.16 The total indicative budget allocation for Priority 1 over the Programme period is €100m. The Interreg IVA Programme offers projects up to 100% of assistance towards eligible costs incurred within Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

1.17 To date DETI has provided offers and contracts totalling £46.6m. £14m has been offered towards 13 enterprise and tourism themed projects supported through the Interreg IVA Programme, resulting in a total investment of £36m[2]. These projects aim to diversify and develop the economy of the region by encouraging innovation and competitiveness in enterprise, and supporting tourism development and infrastructure. DETI has also approved two energy research projects with a total value of £6.8m and Project Kelvin, a major international connectivity project at a value of £25.8m under the Interreg IVA Programme.

1.18 A current call for applications to the Interreg IVA Programme under the Enterprise Theme was opened by SEUPB on 9 November 2010 and will close on 21 January 2011. Up to €30 million will be available via the call to support successful projects.

Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) 2007-13 (Invest NI)

1.19 FP7 is the world’s largest research programme with a total budget over €50 billion. It is the principal instrument for funding European research to promote excellence in scientific and technological research, enhance the EU’s international competitiveness, and promote research in accordance with EU policy. FP7 will run from 2007-2013. Preparations for its successor, FP8, have already started and Member States are formulating their national negotiating positions to influence the shape of FP8.

1.20 EU Framework Programme research is collaborative and is strategic in character. FP7 is open to a broad range of organisations (public and private) including university research groups, large innovative companies, and small and medium-sized enterprises.

1.21 Innovation is central to growing the economy and help shift the balance from public to private sector. A key challenge lies in encouraging more SME’s to invest in R&D. Northern Ireland has a target to secure €50m from FP7 between 2007 and 2013. The most recent figures released on 4 November 2010 indicate that Northern Ireland has now drawn down €25.0m from FP7. Given that funding ramps up towards the end of the Programme, Northern Ireland is on target to reach and potentially exceed the €50m target.

1.22 The system of support for R&D support from Framework Programmes is complex. There is a significant administrative burden on applicants which can discourage participation, particularly by SME’s. This issue can be seen right across Europe and is certainly relevant in Northern Ireland given the key role of SMEs in the local economy. It is hoped that the Commission take on board feedback from stakeholders during the FP8 Consultation and ensure simplification of processes to encourage greater participation by SMEs in FP8.

1.23 Invest NI has recently set up an R&D Liaison Service in the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels to provide services such as consortium-building support, providing early intelligence of forthcoming calls or hosting visits to major events. This complements the Collaborative R&D Support Service which was set up in Invest NI in August 2009 to assist companies applying for competitive R&D funding from the EU and Technology Strategy Board.

1.24 Invest NI therefore plays a major role in facilitating NI companies in accessing the Programme.

[1] Designations, commitments and expenditure in the EU Sustainable Competitiveness Programme are made in sterling. For ease of comparison, the figures have been converted to Euro using the November 2010 Whitehall Sterling Euro exchange rate of £1 = 1.1513 Euro.

[2] All Interreg IVA figures quoted are based on the November 2010 Whitehall Sterling Euro exchange rate for Euro costed projects: £1 = 1.1513 Euro.

Committee for the Environment

Room 245

Parliament Buildings

Tel: +44 (0)28 9052 1347
Fax: +44 (0)28 9052 1795

To: Cathie White
Clerk to the OFMdFM Committee

From: Alex McGarel
Clerk to the Committee for the Environment

Date: 14 January 2011

Subject: European Issues

1. On 25 November 2010 the Environment Committee considered your memo dated 18 November 2010 in relation to providing a report of the European issues considered by the Committee of the Environment in 2010 in accordance with Action 2 of the OFMdFM Committee report on its Inquiry into Consideration of European Issues

2. Members agreed to provide a report which is attached at Annex 1.

3. I hope this information is of assistance.

Alex McGarel

Clerk to the Committee for the Environment

Annex 1

European issues 2010

SL1s

• SL1: The Waste Management Licensing (Fees and Charges for Carriers and Exempt Activities) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Regulations 2005 (2005 Regulations)
• The Private Water Supplies (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Water Supply (Domestic Distribution Systems) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Solvent Emissions (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Public Service Vehicles (Conditions of Fitness, Equipment and Use) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Air Quality Standards Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• Real Weight Requirements For Vehicles Used For Practical Driving Tests
• Amendment to Construction And Use Regulations On Tyre Noise Emmisions
• The Solvent Emissions (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Nitrates Action Programme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Solvent Emissions (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010

SRs

• The Planning (Control of Major-Accident Hazards) Regulations(Northern Ireland) 2009
• The Private Water Supplies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009
• The Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment No. ) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Planning (Management of Waste From Extractive Industries) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Planning (Management of Waste from Extractive Industries) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Waste Management Licensing (Fees and Charges for Carriers and Exempt Activities) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Private Water Supplies (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Charging Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Solvent Emissions (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment No. 2)

Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010

• Local Government (Provision of Services) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Local Government (Provision of Services) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste)(Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Nitrates Action Programme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010

Statutory Instrument

• The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme Order 2010

Consultations

• Consultation document on proposals for implementing the 3rd EC Directive on Driving Licences (Directive 2006/126/EC) – 7/01/10
• Consultation on the 3rd EC Directive on Driving Licences – 28/01/10
• Proposal for a new EU Common Agricultural Policy – 28/01/10
• Synopsis of responses to the Stage One Consultation on the Transposition of the Revised Waste Framework Directive – 04/02/10
• Synopsis of responses to the public consultation on the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) Charging Scheme – 04/03/10
• The definition of “significant personal injury" under the 5th Motor Insurance Directive (2005/14/EC) – 15/04/10
• EC infraction proceedings concerning construction and use regulation on width of trailers – 22/04/10
• EC infraction proceedings concerning construction and use regulation on width of trailers – 29/04/10
• Marine Strategy Framework Directive – Synopsis of Responses – 27/05/10
• The Third EC Directive on driving licences - summary of consultation responses – 27/05/10
• Consultation on Water Framework Directive (Priority Substances and Classification) Regulations (NI) 2010 – 27/05/10
• Meeting EU Landfill Diversion Targets – 16/09/10
• Environmental Noise Directive – submission of summary noise action plans to the European Commission – 23/09/10
• Synopsis of responses to NI consultation on meeting EU Landfill Diversion targets – 4/11/10
• The Third EC Driving Licence Directive Consultation Report and Next Steps – 4/11/10
• Consultation on proposed regulations giving effect to European Commission Regulations to enable installation of digital tachographs on certain types of light vehicles – 9/12/10

Research papers

• Assembly Research Paper on European Commission’s Impact Assessment System
• Assembly Research Paper on Further consideration of Derogations from Regulation (EC) 561/2006
• Assembly Research Paper on EU Guidelines for City Airports
• Links sent by Assembly Research to the Report on the implementation of EU legislation aiming at the conservation of biodiversity and the Protection of animals used for scientific purposes (repeal. Directive 86/609/EEC)

Issues brought to the attention of the Committee

• The RSPB informed the Committee of possible infractions on the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive and that Northern Ireland may need a direct transposition of Article 10 of the Birds Directive, achieved through the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill.
• The Department informed the Committee that in 2006 the European Commission raised concerns regarding how the UK transposed the requirements of the “Wild Birds" Directive, into its national legislation, including that in Northern Ireland.
• The Committee was also involved in regular scrutiny of the Department’s infraction schedule and received updates on a quarterly basis.

Committee for Finance and Personnel

Room 419

Parliament Buildings

Tel: 028 9052 1843

From: Shane McAteer
Clerk to the Committee for Finance and Personnel (CFP)

Date 01 December 2010

To: Cathie White
Clerk to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy
First Minister (OFMDFM)

European Issues

1. At its meeting on 24 November the Committee for Finance and Personnel considered a request, from the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, for a report of activity on European Issues as set out in Action 2 of the relevant COFMdFM report.

2. The activities of the Committee for Finance and Personnel are listed at Annex A. Members agreed to forward the information to your committee when they met on 1 December 2010.

Shane McAteer

Tel: 21843

Annex A

Role of the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) in EU matters

1. The European Union Division within DFP is part of the budget directorate of Central Finance Group and has responsibility for making the allocations of the available resources under the EU Programmes as well as monitoring expenditure against those allocations.

2. DFP is the sponsor department for the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) which is, in turn, the managing authority for the PEACE III and INTERREG IVA Programmes. Both of these Programmes are funded under the EU’s Cooperation Objective. PEACE III is a joint Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland Programme with a distinctive peace and reconciliation remit.

3. DFP liaises closely with SEUPB in the development of these two programmes, is represented on the Programme Monitoring Groups for both programmes and on their project selection Steering Committees. DFP is also the accountable department for the technical assistance measures for these programmes.

4. DFP represents Northern Ireland in respect of the three INTERREG IVB Transnational Cooperation Programmes for which Northern Ireland is eligible (Atlantic Area, Northern Periphery and North West) and the INTERREG IVC Interregional/Networking Programme.

5. DFP also has a role in relation to the 2007-2013 Competitiveness and Employment Programmes. Within the UK the delivery of Regional Policy and EU Structural Funds Programmes is a devolved matter. The NI Administration co-ordinated by DFP is therefore fully responsible for all aspects of the preparation and delivery of the NI Structural Fund Programmes. In this capacity, DFP broadly fulfils the functions identified as being the responsibility of the Member State within Regulation 1083/2006.

Committee Engagement on European Issues

6. On 6 January 2010 the Committee for Finance and Personnel received a briefing from DFP official on the EU Commission Barroso Taskforce. At the same meeting members also took evidence from SEUPB representatives on the delivery of the PEACE III and INTERREG IVA programmes.

7. The chairpersons and deputy chairpersons for CFP and the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment jointly raised issues about delays in the application and approval of individual projects under the INTERREG IVA Program, first with SEUPB officials and subsequently with the Minister of Finance and Personnel. CFP and CETI also co-sponsored a plenary motion, debated on 22 April 2010, which sought to highlight the delays in the implementation of the INTERREG IVA Programme and the subsequent problems faced by projects.

8. On Wednesday 24 November the Chairperson and the Clerk met with a delegation of Turkish officials as part of an information programme to provide first hand, practical experience of UK public management and control systems in support of Turkey’s proposed entry to the European Union.

9. More generally, the scrutiny work of CFP has included various areas of policy and legislation influenced by European Directives, including public procurement and building regulations.

Committee for Health Social Services and Public Safety

Room 410
Parliament Buildings

Tel: +44 (0) 28 90521475

From: Dr. Kathryn Bell
Clerk to the Committee for Health Social Services and Public Safety

To: Cathie White
Clerk to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister

Date: 29th November 2010

Subject: European Issues

At its meeting on the 25th November 2010 the Committee for Health Social Services and Public Safety noted correspondence from the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister regarding European issues. The Committee agreed to forward a summary of its work on European issues.

The following is a summary of the Committee’s work from January 2010 to the present on European issues:

The Committee took evidence from Cooperation and Working Together which is responsible for managing EU INTERREG IVA funding for 12 large scale strategic, cross border health and social care services / projects.

The Committee considered a briefing paper from Assembly Research on the European Commission Work Programme 2010: Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

The Committee approved the following Statutory Rules which transpose EU legislation:

• The Food for Particular Nutritional Uses (Addition of Substances for Specific Nutritional Purposes) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Food Supplements and Addition of Vitamins, Minerals and Other Substances (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2009
• The Food Enzymes Regulations (NI) 2009
• The Food Additives Regulations (NI) 2009
• The Food (Jelly Mini-Cups) (Emergency Control) Regulations (NI) 2009
• The Official Feed and Food Controls Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009
• The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure)(Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009
• The Food for Particular Nutritional Uses (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and Bottled Drinking Water (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Addition of Vitamins, Minerals and Other Substances (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Materials and Articles in Contact with Food Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Contaminants in Food Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
• The Foodstuffs Suitable for People Intolerant to Gluten Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009

Committee for Regional Development

Room 435
Parliament Buildings

Tel: +44 (0)28 9052 1970
Fax: +44 (0)28 9052 5917

To: Cathie White
OFMDFM Committee Clerk

From: Roisin Kelly
Regional Development Committee Clerk

Date: 8 December 2010

Subject: European Issues

1. On 8 December 2010, the Committee for Regional Development considered correspondence from the OFMDFM Committee regarding European issues. The Committee agreed to forward the following summary of its work on European issues from 1 January 2010 to date.

2. At its meeting of 3 February 2010, the Committee noted the publication and launch, by the Environment Minister, of the Neagh Bann, North Eastern and North Western River Basin Management Plans. These plans are a requirement of the Water Framework Directive and are a means of achieving the protection, improvement and sustainable use of the water environment across Europe. In the previous session, the Regional Development Committee together with the Environment Committee, held a stakeholder engagement event and published a report on the draft River Basin Management Plans.

3. The Committee received Departmental briefing, on 3 February 2010, on proposed changes to the Water Supply (Water Quality) (Amendment) Regulations and on the content and implications of the reasoned opinion letter from the EU Commission to the UK with regard to the transposition of the Drinking Water Directive. The Committee received further Departmental briefing on this issue, at its meeting of 10 March 2010. At its meeting of 21 April 2010, the Committee approved the associated subordinate legislation “The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010".

4. The Committee received Departmental briefing, on 14 April 2010, on proposals to make joint regulations with the Department of the Environment on the Water Supply (Domestic Distribution Systems) Regulations. At its meeting of 26 April 2010, the Committee approved the associated subordinate legislation “The Water Supply (Domestic Distribution Systems) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010".

5. On 16 June 2010, Members noted a background briefing on the Marine Strategy Framework Directive; an update on the consultation process and its outcomes; the proposed regulations; and information on the next steps required to meet the deadline of 15 July 2010 to transpose the Direction. The Committee has requested a Departmental briefing at a future meeting, on the transposition of the directive and on the outcome of the Department’s public consultation.

6. On 20 October and 3 November 2010, the Committee considered Directive 2008/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on Road Infrastructure Safety Management. Members were content with the policy merits of the Directive.

7. The Committee also noted, on the dates specified, the following items of correspondence on European issues:

• 21 April 2010 – Noted correspondence from the Department for Regional Development providing the final position, as agreed between DFP and the EU, on Departmental projects at risk of potential clawback of EU funding from the Single Programming Document 1994-99.
• 30 June 2010 – Noted correspondence from the OFMDFM Committee on the Europe 2010 Strategy and the European Commission’s Work Programme;
• 22 September 2010 – Noted the OFMDFM response to the European Commission’s communication on the Rights of the Child;

Please contact me if you require any further information on the items above.

Appendix 2

Links to Minutes of Evidence

Minutes of Evidence

European, Economic and Social Committee Briefing

http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/record/committees2009/OFMDFM/100210_EuropeanIssues_EESC.htm

European Commission Office Briefing

http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/record/committees2009/OFMDFM/100224_EuropeanIssues.htm

Committee of the Regions Briefing

http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/record/committees2009/OFMDFM/100324_EuropeanIssues.htm

Member of the European Parliament Briefing

http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/record/committees2009/OFMDFM/100412_EuropeanIssues.htm

Member of the European Parliament Briefing

http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/record/committees2009/OFMDFM/100414_EuropeanIssues.htm

Evidence Session with Permanent Representatives to the European Union

http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/record/committees2009/OFMDFM/100610_EU_PermanentReps.htm

Departmental Briefing

http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/record/committees2009/OFMDFM/100623_EuropeanIssues_Report.htm

Departmental Briefing

http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/record/committees2010/OFMDFM/101020_NIExecBrussels.htm

Members of the European Parliament Briefing

http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/record/committees2010/OFMDFM/101101_EuropeanIssues.htm

Special European Union Programmes Body

http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/record/committees2010/OFMDFM/101103_EuropeanIssues_SEUPB.htm

European, Economic and Social Committee Briefing

http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/record/committees2010/OFMDFM/101110_EuropeanIssues.htm

European Commission Office Briefing

http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/record/committees2010/OFMDFM/101117_EuropeanIssues.htm

Committee of the Regions Briefing

http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/record/committees2010/OFMDFM/110202_EuropeanIssues.htm

Departmental Briefing

http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/record/committees2010/OFMDFM/110216_EuropeanIssues.htm

Appendix 3

Responses to the
Committee’s Report on Consideration of European Issues

Commission Support and Compliance Unit
Room 151/152
Parliament Buildings
Ballymiscaw

Stormont

Tel: +44 (0) 28 90521930
Fax: +44 (0) 28 90418340

From: Tony Logue
Head of the Commission Support and Compliance Unit

Date: 21 April 2010

To: Cathie White
Clerk to the Committee of the OFMdFM

Subject: Report of Committee’s Inquiry into European Issues

Dear Cathie,

I refer to your memo of 16 April 2010, I am writing to respond, on behalf of the Assembly Commission, in relation to the recommendations detailed within the Report of the Committee’s Inquiry into European Issues which relate to the work of the Commission.

As outlined by Rev Dr Robert Coulter during the plenary debate of the Report on Tuesday 26 January 2010, the Assembly Commission welcome the proposals and recommendations outlined within the Report which we hope will go some way further enhance our relationship with the European institutions.

In relation to the recommendations, the first of which encourages us to consult with the Committee of the OFMdFM before making decisions on any European issue. The Assembly Commission is keen to build on the existing relationship with Committee of the OFMdFM and will work to make progress in moving these matters forward. As you are aware we have agreed a joint visit with your Committee to Brussels in June 2010 and would hope that this will allow us to gain a greater understanding of the application of and potential scope for the delivering against the recommendations outlined within the Report.

In particular we hope to use the visit to Brussels to further consider the benefits of the appointment of a Parliamentary Officer based in Brussels, aimed at supporting and developing our relationships with the European Institutions.

The remaining recommendations relate to areas of professional development for both staff and Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Assembly Commission will explore each of these recommendations further in discussion with the business areas. We acknowledge the value and benefits that training on European matters bring to both staff and Members and we will explore in tandem with the European Institutions and Secretariat Officials the options for enhancing training and professional development opportunities within this field.

I will ask that time is set aside at a future Commission meeting and before our joint visit to Brussels to discuss progress and will consult on any proposed developments with the Committee of the OFMdFM, as appropriate.

Should you have any further questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact me, in the first instance.

Yours sincerely

Tony Logue

Head of the Commission and Compliance Unit