Written question WQ86740
- Asked by
- Cefin CampbellPlaid
- To be answered by
- Minister for Economy
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 11 days
Question
What discussions has the Welsh Government had with the Irish Government about funding for a successor to the Ireland-Wales European Territorial Cooperation Programme, which is due to conclude in 2023?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Economy
We were extremely disappointed with the UK Government’s decision not to pursue participation in the 2021-2027 European Territorial Co-operation (ETC) programmes (other than PEACE PLUS). For Wales, the Ireland Wales and wider transnational and inter-regional ETC programmes are providing solutions to key challenges which transcend borders; creating so much more than just financial benefits for stakeholders.
It is also disappointing that the UK Government is not negotiating separate participation for Devolved Governments, despite the ETC programmes covering areas which include those of devolved competence.
The UK Government’s position means that it has not been possible to develop a successor Ireland Wales cross-border programme through the EU Framework.
However, we are very keen to work with the Irish Government to sustain the successful co-operation developed through the programme which has delivered real benefits to our businesses, institutions and communities.
On Friday 14 October I travelled to Cork for the second Ireland Wales Ministerial Forum, a commitment in our Shared Statement and Joint Action Plan with the Irish Government. During the Forum I was pleased to discuss the wide range of projects and collaborative networks that have been built up through the Ireland-Wales programme with Michael McGrath, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. We will continue to engage with the Irish Government to further explore how we can preserve the gains made by the programme and ensure that our stakeholders can continue to build on their successes.
We also held a successful Irish Sea Symposium in June, where I and my Devolved Government counterparts, addressed a wide range of UK, Irish and European stakeholders about the opportunities available to stimulate economic development in the Irish Sea space. Building on this event, we are
developing an informal ‘Framework for co-operation across the Irish Sea space’, with Devolved Government support, which will guide future actions. This is already leveraging stakeholder support and resources, and discussions will continue at a stakeholder workshop in November.