- Faoi SDLP
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Smaointe
- 1.A United Ireland
- 2.Acht na Gaeilge
- 3.Agriculture/Rural Communities
- 4.Education
- 5.Eleven Plus
- 6.Environment & Climate Change
- 7.Equality & Human Rights
- 8.Fighting Poverty
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Tue 16th March
Mr Attwood said: “The Finance Minister said in the Assembly that €16million had been drawn down from huge EU research and development funding of €50billion. The minister seems to think this wasn’t bad. At the same time, the Republic of Ireland has a target of €600million to draw down and already has 80 successful bids. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland has had barely a dozen successful bids. The contrast is remarkable.
“DFP and DETI have set no targets around this stream of EU funding. The totally inadequate €16million secured to date confirms how limited the effort of DFP, DETI and Invest NI has been in accessing the relevant funds. It confirms that Invest NI is not punching to its weight in seeking and delivering funds.
“The €50billion EU fund invites applications from member states acting jointly. The fund sticks out as highly suitable for north-south bids. My understanding is that there is a degree of frustration in Dublin that Belfast is so behind the game in working up bids that could bring such research and innovation development to Ireland.
“DFP, DETI and INI must raise their game. The targets must be set to draw down money. Each department must have dedicated staff identifying and developing proposals. That’s how Dublin has been so successful to date that’s the only way the north can be successful in the future.”
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