Simplify EU rules to allow greater funding for Ireland – Kathleen Funchion MEP

Ireland South Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion has said simplifying EU rules about accessing funds from Brussels could lead to a far greater uptake by local and regional bodies in Ireland.

Speaking in a debate on an upcoming EU Parliament report on the issue MEP Funchion said:

“Since joining the Regional Development Committee and before as a Councillor and TD, I have heard a lot about the need for simplification of EU rules around accessing funding. This must happen and I have proposed a number of ways it could happen.

“One area I hear from many sources where improvement can be made is in simplifying the data collection requirements especially at the initial stage. This is hugely off-putting for many. “Scope creep” is how I have heard this described as data collection requirements seem to increase and be duplicated.

“Greater flexibility and shifting of funds around priorities without the need for regulatory changes should happen too so that every little change doesn’t require going back to Brussels. That must happen.

“I will table amendments proposing greater use of “de minimis” style thresholds where changes can be made or steps skipped where the amounts involved risk such a tiny threat to the EU Budget that they don’t justify the current procedures.

“Ireland and our region are in a battle to make sure we get our fair share of funding. Indeed, some want to exclude regions like ours completely. I am determined that we will keep our fair share and that that funding won’t be caught up in red tape and bureaucracy. If we get this right it could lead to a far greater uptake by local and regional bodies in Ireland.”