Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 May 1995

Vol. 453 No. 4

Written Answers. - EU Peace Initiative Funding.

Brendan Smith

Question:

43 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Finance if the Government will provide appropriate funding for the European Union's peace initiative programme in view of President Santer's statement in Belfast on 11 April 1995, that the Irish and British Governments' matching funds for the financing of the implementing programme should be an additional 100 per cent [7612/95]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Quinn)

I will quote from what President Santer said at the Belfast Conference in referring to the additionality aspect.

In plain language the European Union funds are 100 per cent additional; the United Kingdom and Irish matching funds should be 100 per cent additional as well. The European Union has put fresh money into the peace process; we expect Ken Clarke and Ruarí Quinn to do the same, we are sure they will.

The Commission guidelines for the initiative provide that the European Community will finance up to 75 per cent of the cost of measures under the initiative. The balance of the cost will come from Exchequer and other national sources.

The Government has already given a commitment that Structural Fund aid under the initiative for a special support programme for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border counties will be additional to Structural Fund spending in the Border counties under the Community Support Framework for 1994 to 1999 and other Community initiatives. The national contribution to the programme will also be additional.

As the Minister for Finance stated in the Dáil on 25 April last, now that all the operational programmes under the Community Support Framework have been approved by the European Commission and the programmes under the various Community initiatives are either approved or at an advanced stage. Departments are compiling details of forecast expenditure under these programmes in each of the eight regions. When compiled these forecasts will provide the baseline data by reference to which the additionality of the expenditure under the peace initiative can be demonstrated over the period of the programme.

In drawing up the operational programme full regard will be had to ensuring the optimum degree of complementarity and integration with the Community Support Framework operational programmes and relevant Community initiatives, in addition to the range of activities carried out under the International Fund for Ireland.