Paisley and McGuinness to visit Brussels

The North's First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness are to follow up their US investment tour with a visit to Brussels in the New Year, it was confirmed today.

Details of the second joint overseas visit emerged as a European Commission taskforce began a fact-finding mission in the North.

The taskforce looking into how the North can maximise the EU funds it receives was set up by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso after he met the First Minister and Deputy First Minister in May.

A series of meetings are being held with government departments, social partners and other stakeholders.

Danuta Hubner, the EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, is co-ordinating the work of the taskforce, which is compiling a report that should be published in early 2008.

The visit was welcomed by Stormont junior ministers Ian Paisley Junior and Gerry Kelly.

Mr Paisley said: “In November, Minister Kelly and I led a delegation to Brussels and the taskforce is here at our invitation to follow up on those discussions. Europe’s continuing political and financial support is an enormous encouragement.

“The taskforce presence here today demonstrates Europe’s ongoing high-level commitment to our future of continued peace, political stability and economic growth.

“It is fitting to pay tribute to President Barroso for the support that the European Union and its member states continue to show us.”

Mr Kelly said the Executive was determined to make the most of the taskforce.

“We want a sustainable and mutually productive long-term relationship with the European Union,” he said.

During their Brussels visit in early January, Mr Paisley and Mr McGuinness will meet Mr Barroso and Commissioner Hubner.