Monitoring

Monitoring is the systematic collection of indicators (quantitative and qualitative data) relevant to a particular programme, measure or project. Through monitoring, performance can be kept under review and, if necessary, amended. Regular monitoring is fundamental to the process of evaluation - the assessment of how far a Programme, Measure or project has progressed towards its stated objectives.

In application of Article 35 of Council Regulation (EC) No.1260/99, three Monitoring Committees have been established : a CSF Monitoring Committee (CSFMC) to oversee implementation of the CSF and one for each of the two Operational Programmes.

The Committee will be chaired by the Minister for Finance and Personnel or (during devolution) by the Junior Ministers in the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister in his absence. The CSF Monitoring Committee (CSFMC) will include political representation from the Northern Ireland administration, business, trade unions, the agriculture/rural development /fisheries sector, the community and voluntary sector, district councils and those representing environmental and equal opportunities interests. The Chairpersons of the BSP Operational Programme and the PEACE II Programme Monitoring Committees will also be members of the CSFMC.

A representation of the European Commission and where appropriate of the European Investment Bank (lead by the Directorate General for Regional Policy) shall participate in the work of the Monitoring Committee in an advisory capacity. The Department of Trade and Industry will have observer status.

The CSFMC will meet, as a general rule, at least twice every year, or more often if necessary.

Details of the Monitoring Committee's duties can be found in the NI CSF Monitoring Committee Rules of Procedure (see below).

The CSFMC has established its own rules of procedure including appropriate organisational arrangements and has agreed them with the CSF Managing Authority.

Monitoring will be carried out by the Managing Authority under the supervision of the Programme Monitoring Committee. This monitoring will ensure the quality and effectiveness of implementation through assessment of progress towards achievement of the financial, physical and impact indicators defined in the Community Support Framework (CSF). It will involve the organisation and co-ordination of the data relating to the financial, physical and impact indicators and those concerning qualitative aspects of implementation.

The Committee Membership

The Monitoring Committee will normally be chaired by a representative from the Department of Finance and Personnel. The membership will include political representation from the Northern Ireland Assembly, business, trade unions, the agriculture/rural development/fisheries sector, the community and voluntary sector, district councils and those representing environmental and equal opportunities interests. The Commission shall participate in an advisory capacity.

The SEUPB will be represented on the Monitoring Committee, along with the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) who will be present as observers.

Details of the Monitoring Committee's duties can be found in the BSP Operational Programme.

The Monitoring Committee has established its own rules of procedure, including appropriate organisational arrangements and has agreed them with the BSP Managing Authority.

For information about PEACE II monitoring access www.seupb.org.