Responding to the suggestion by the Assembly’s all-party audit committee that Wales might have to repay millions in Objective One funding to the European Commission Jill Evans MEP, leader of Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales in the European Parliament said:
"We have been very concerned at the handling of this crucial European funding programme from the beginning. Objective One exists in order to give Wales’ poorest regions help to create desperately needed jobs and improve the local economy. If money is sent back to Brussels and this opportunity is wasted Wales will not forgive the Labour and Lib Dem administration in the National Assembly."
"Whilst some improvements have been made over recent months applications for Objective One funding still have to go through 11 separate stages and wait over three months on average for approval. This is a major factor in putting off many potential applicants."
"It is also becoming clear that some of those poorest communities which are supposed to benefit from the programme have yet to see any investment because they are not being given the necessary support to take advantage of the funding."
"I understand that the auditor general has now been asked to keep a close eye on the matter. The Government must take full advantage of this rare opportunity to transform the Welsh economy. Failure would be a national disgrace."
Diwedd/End
