Sir, - There seems to be some confusion in the Irish media as to what exactly has happened in the European Parliament regarding fund, for the Irish peace process. As the MEP responsible for the creation of this line, I feel I can speak with authority on the subject.
In October 1994, the European Parliament's Budget Committee agreed on a sum of £160 million over three years to assist in the peace process. Subsequently, former Commission President Jacques Delors pledged to increase this figure to £240 million, a decision which Parliament wholeheartedly supported.
However, as with many political promises, there is simply no ready cash to back up the Delors deal. In the same way, there is not enough money available within the EU budget to finance all the other worthy projects Parliament would like to assist research and development, trans European transport networks and aid to the former Yugoslavia. Bold statements are often made in a blaze of glory at Euro summits, without the consideration as to where the money will come from.
All members of the European Parliament are fully committed to Jacques Delors's £240 million, but they are not prepared to take the extra money from some other area of the EU budget. This would merely be a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul.
The Budget Committee made this situation clear to the Council of Ministers some time ago. It is now up to the governments of the 15 member states who sit on this Council to increase the contributions they make to the EU budget, in order to finance adequately the funding of the peace process. In its current position as holder of the EU Presidency, the Irish Government is in a unique position to influence this. - Yours, etc.,
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