Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Jun 1996

Vol. 466 No. 5

Written Answers. - Cross-Border Development Programme.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

41 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made in respect of the joint submission from the North-Eastern and the North-Western Health Boards and the Western and Southern Health and Social Services Boards in Northern Ireland for funding under the peace initiative moneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11897/96]

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

45 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the projects under the aegis of his Department which have benefited to date from the EU support programme for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border counties; the total amount of money allocated to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11900/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 45 together.

As I informed the Deputy in my reply to him of 21 May 1996, my Department has responsibility for the implementation of two measures under the Cross-Border Development Sub-Programme of the EU Support Programme. A provision of £1 million has been included for this purpose under subhead F.3 of the Foreign Affairs Vote in the 1996 Estimates.

Measure 1 is concerned with business and cultural linkages and is being administered on both sides of the Border by an intermediary funding body,

Co-operation North, in association with IBEC and CBI (NI). My Department's role under this measure is as a channel to Co-operation North of the EU and Government matching funds which will total 9.193 MECU (or IR£7.31 million approximately) over the period of the programme. I understand that Co-operation North has been active in publicising this measure and has already received a considerable number of applications which it is currently processing. A small number of applications have been approved and letters of offer have issued to the applicants. Co-operation North expects to announce details of the awarding of grants in the near future.

My Department's primary involvement under the EU Programme will be in the implementation of Measure 3 (A) concerning co-operation between public bodies. The rationale behind this measure is the adoption of co-ordinated approaches by public bodies to common problems in the eligible areas, North and South, which will contribute to the advancement of reconciliation in areas which are of significant importance in both social and economic terms. Total funding of 5.417 MECU (or IR£4.33 million approximately) will be administered by my Department under this measure.

While a number of project proposals are in preparation, no money has been allocated to date under this measure. Consultation is continuing between Government Departments, North and South, with a view to identifying and bringing forward projects for funding. Among these projects is the health boards' project referred to by the Deputy in his question. It is anticipated that the first tranche of project applications will be considered in the near future.