Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 3

Written Answers. - Departmental Funding.

Billy Timmins

Question:

66 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there is a scheme in his Department whereby a community group can apply for funding to upgrade a local community hall or obtain funding for other community projects; if a contact or liaison person in his Department co-ordinates such an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12489/02]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

Under subhead F1 of its budget, my Department operates a reconciliation fund for North-South and Anglo-Irish co-operation. Its purpose is to assist organisations involved in reconciliation work and in efforts at creating better understanding between people in both parts of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain. My Department welcomes applications from all organisations which qualify for consideration under the following criteria: reconciliation through education; courses; dialogue and culture; developing and maintaining meaningful cross-border links; promoting improved Anglo-Irish relations; promoting cross-community and inter-denominational activities; promotion of tolerance and acceptance of cultural diversity; academic research aimed at promoting reconciliation; and contribution to political reconciliation.

All applications are considered by an interdepartmental advisory committee, which then makes its recommendations to me. The decisions are reached on the basis of the eligibility criteria outlined above. Other factors taken into account are the level of funding available each year and the number and quality of applications submitted. The overriding aim is to ensure as widespread and equitable distribution of the fund as possible based on the merits of the individual proposals. Organisations may apply to the Fund at the following address: Reconciliation Fund, Anglo-Irish Division, Department of Foreign Affairs, 80 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2.