Call for higher Ulster profile in Europe

Rev Dr Robert Coulter, the Ulster Unionist Party Assembly member for North Antrim and UUP Stormont Commissioner, has called for Ulster's profile to be raised in Europe.

The UUP man was speaking during an Assembly debate on the motion: "That this Assembly approves the report of the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister on its inquiry into consideration of European issues; and calls for enhanced engagement and improved interaction with the European institutions to raise the profile of Northern Ireland in Europe.

Emphasising he was speaking on behalf of the Assembly Commission, Dr Coulter said: "The Commission welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister's 'Report on the Inquiry into Consideration of European Issues'.

"At the Assembly Commission's meeting on 10 December 2009, the Chairperson of the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, my colleague Mr Danny Kennedy, provided a very helpful overview of the issues in the report that are relevant to the Commission.

"I commend the Committee on the detail in the report, and I welcome its proposals to further enhance the Assembly's relationship with the European institutions.

"The report contains a number of recommendations for consideration by the Assembly Commission, the first of which encourages the Commission to consult the Committee of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister before making decisions on any European issue.

"The Commission is keen to build on its existing relationship with the Committee, and it will work to make progress on moving the relevant matters forward.

"We will also consider the detail proposed and the framework required for developing a European engagement strategy, including the benefits of appointing a parliamentary officer based in Brussels, aimed at supporting and developing our relationships with the European institutions.

"The Commission has agreed a comprehensive engagement strategy for the Assembly and has facilitated a number of visits to the European institutions.

"In early February 2010, the Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust will be taking part in a visit to Brussels aimed at fostering greater links with Europe, with an emphasis on issues relevant to the business sector.

"Further recommendations relate to areas of professional development for staff and Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and the Commission will explore each of those in detail.

"We acknowledge the value and benefits that training on European matters will bring to staff and Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and in tandem with the European institutions, our secretariat officials and appropriate business areas, we will explore the options for enhancing training and professional development opportunities in that field.

"The Commission plans to visit Brussels as part of its forward work programme for 2010, and we hope that that visit will allow us to gain a greater understanding of the application of the recommendations outlined in this very good report.

"The Commission will give further consideration to the recommendations set out in the report at a future meeting and looks forward to working with the OFMDFM Committee to progress those matters."

Responding to Dr Coulter's speech, party colleague and Chairperson of the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister Mr Kennedy said: "I thank my party colleague Rev Dr Robert Coulter for responding on behalf of the Assembly Commission and for his positive contribution on the Committee's recommendations.

"The Committee looks forward to working with the Commission on those issues and on European matters generally.

"It is helpful that Dr Coulter indicated that the Commission is prepared to explore the different options available for secondments and staff training. I welcome the fact that the Assembly Commission will be considering the recommendations at a future meeting."