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Procedure : 2017/2225(INI)
Document stages in plenary
Document selected : A8-0240/2018

Texts tabled :

A8-0240/2018

Debates :

PV 10/09/2018 - 21
CRE 10/09/2018 - 21

Votes :

PV 11/09/2018 - 6.6
Explanations of votes

Texts adopted :

P8_TA(2018)0323

Verbatim report of proceedings
Tuesday, 11 September 2018 - Strasbourg Revised edition

7.1. The impact of EU cohesion policy on Northern Ireland (A8-0240/2018 - Derek Vaughan)
Video of the speeches
 

Explicații orale privind votul

 
  
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  Daniel Hannan (ECR). – Mr President, the discussions that we have been having about the future status of Northern Ireland and the border within Ireland have an oddly antiquated, almost 19th century feel as though borders were some terrific event involving customs officers with great epaulets and peaked caps who have to rifle through your bags and check every item. Of course, these days the overwhelming majority of customs checks are done online and in advance. Indeed, advances in blockchain will eventually make customs checks between all advanced economies irrelevant.

We already have a border on the island of Ireland. There are differential regulations, differential tax rates. There is some cross-border smuggling now, and it is policed away from the border. There is no reason why, provided we have a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union based on mutual recognition, we cannot carry on with the existing arrangements.

 
  
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  Seán Kelly (PPE). – Mr President, I was very pleased to support this report, and I thank Derek Vaughan for his good work on it. Investment from the EU’s cohesion policy has had a tremendously important and positive impact on the people, local economy and social reality in Northern Ireland. This is particularly true for disadvantaged urban and rural areas, as well as for cross-community relations.

The cohesion policy has been an active contributor to the peace process with investment such as PEACE and INTERREG funding playing an effective role in maintaining peace and reconciliation. The PEACE Programme has been of particular significance, with a special focus on building cross-border relations. The EU Structural Funds should continue to play an effective role in upholding the Good Friday Agreement.

The northern Irish economy has benefited substantially from EU cohesion policy, and should continue to do so. For example, the European Regional Development Fund has put EUR 140 million towards SMEs. The European Rural Development Fund has likewise helped agri-food businesses. I welcome this report and I voted in favour.

 
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