This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scotland Leads The Way With Equal Opportunities In Europe
22/03/2000
Scotland is leading the way in an innovative bid to use European funds to help end discrimination, Finance Minister Jack McConnell said today during a visit to Brussels.
The Minister was launching a new equal opportunities "toolkit" for structural funds programmes at a seminar in Scotland House .
Drawn up in partnership between the Executive and the Equal Opportunities Commission, it is designed to develop equal opportunities as a key criteria for all programme design and project selection elements.
Mr McConnell said
"We need to squeeze maximum social and economic benefit from the funds over the next 7 years. I am determined that European money will deliver jobs, training, and the promotion of enterprise. The Scottish Executive is committed to delivering these objectives through best use of structural funds without discrimination or disadvantage. The structural funds plans for the new programmes will focus on quality and value for money. But sustainable development and equality of opportunity too will be at the heart of these programmes.
"We need action and practical solutions, not empty words. This new toolkit is a vital part of that process. We will use it well. I will monitor progress and - starting today - will encourage others to do the same.
"I am particularly proud that once again we are leading the way in structural funds best practice in Europe"
BACKGROUND
1. The toolkit was written by Rona Fitgerald of the University of Strathclyde. Its development was financed by the Scottish Executive and Equal Opportunities Commission and supervised by a steering committee including representatives from the Executive, the Equal Opportunities Commission , the Objective 3 programme executive and the Strathclyde European Partnership.
2. During the visit the Minister will also meet Commissioners Barnier and Schreyer to discuss issues of interest as well as discussing structural funds issues with Scottish MEPs.
3. The Seminar in Scotland House was aimed at an audience comprising MEPs, Commission officials and representatives of national and regional offices.
4. The Scottish Executive is also a lead partner in a twinning arrangement on structural funds implementation in the Czech Republic.
News Release: SE0796/2000
22 Mar 2000
News Release: SE0796/2000
22 Mar 2000