Vol. 459 No. 1
77 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Finance the allocation that will be made available under each sub-programme of the European Union's operational programme to promote peace and reconciliation; the projects assisted to date; the level of funding allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17977/95]
The total EU funding available for the initiative to support the peace process in Northern Ireland and the Border counties, Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo, will be 300 million ECU, IR£240 million, over three years. Funding for a further two years is likely subject to a Commission review. Up to 80 per cent of the funding will be available for activities in Northern Ireland and at least 20 per cent for activities in the Border counties. At least 15 per cent of the overall amount will be devoted to activities carried out in a cross-Border context.
Within the programme five priority areas of action are identified under the central objective of reconciliation: urban and rural regeneration; employment; cross-Border development; social inclusion; and productive investment and industrial development.
Given the nature of the problems being addressed by this special initiative, it is expected that the theme of social inclusion will be given particular prominence.
|
Sub Programme |
Allocations (MECU) Ireland |
per cent |
|
Employment |
4.38 |
7 |
|
Urban Regeneration |
21 |
|
|
Rural Regeneration |
12.5 |
|
|
Cross-Border Development |
21.56 |
36 |
|
Social Inclusion |
13.13 |
22 |
|
Productive Investment and Industrial Development |
7.5 |
12 |
|
Technical Assistance |
0.93 |
2 |
|
Total |
60.00 |
100 |
