Borderwise ‘Going North Going South’ seminar highlights the complexity and variety of cross-border enquiries.
From left to right: Pat Colgan, Tony McQuinn, Derek Alcorn and Andy Murie
Delegates at the cross-border seminar which took place in Dundalk on the 8th of August heard case studies illustrating how the border impacts on welfare benefits, health and employment for clients of the Borderwise Project. The seminar included presentations from the Cross-Border Advice and Information worker, Gary McIntyre and the organisation’s Research Associate, Andy Murie and also included the poignant story of a Borderwise client narrated in person by her daughter via DVD. The day was widely seen to be very successful and prompted a great deal of interest and discussion.
The seminar was chaired by Tony McQuinn, CEO –designate of Citizens Information Board and attended by staff, volunteers and management committee members of advice and information services on both sides of the border and by elected members and representatives of agencies with an interest in the facilitation of cross-border mobility.
Pat Colgan, the Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body, delivered the keynote speech on the impact of Peace 2 programmes and the development of 2007-13 funding streams. He congratulated the Project for the real and direct contribution it makes to Peace and Reconciliation through the provision of advice and information which supports people who commute across the border to live, work and study.
The event was also an opportunity for delegates to hear how the experience of the Borderwise project can inform the future development and delivery of cross border information within the island of Ireland.
Derek Alcorn, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice in Northern Ireland told delegates at the half day event that the project has established the basic architecture for an integrated advice service across the island. “We have established that it is possible to train staff in the legislation of both jurisdictions, that it is possible to deploy staff across both jurisdictions, that it is possible to share information databases electronically and to develop a common electronic case recording system for use in both jurisdictions. Much of this has been very cost effective because of the significant infrastructure which each agency has brought to the project. This infrastructure includes a network of community based offices North and South, the skills and experience of frontline advice staff, and a pooling of expertise and knowledge in technology, training and information.”
Tony McQuinn, CEO –designate of Citizens Information Board said that “The increase in the mobility of people across the border in recent years is a very positive development, although many practical and bureaucratic difficulties remain. The Borderwise Project has identified many of these difficulties and has produced information resources and provided direct support to information providers and the public to guide people through the complexity of dealing with two jurisdictions. From a public policy perspective the social policy reports generated from the feedback of service users will be an invaluable source of evidence to help formulate policies that meet the real needs of people and so promote greater mobility.”
Andy Murie delivering his social policy presentation
Andy Murie, Research Associate concluded his thought provoking presentation by saying “The need for cross border advice and information is as great as ever and should still be considered a growing priority as mobility across the island increases. In order to facilitate occupational and social mobility decision makers and key providers of advice and information need to consider a more joined up approach to address the ongoing financial disincentives. Until then the ever complex bureaucratic process of identifying and providing solutions to Benefits, Tax and Employment issues requires an effective and continually developing integrated cross border advice and information framework."
Delegates at the seminar from both sides of the border