The Programme for Peace and Reconciliation is an EU initiative. The sources of funds are the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and Exchequer co-financing. Those elements of the peace programme which are being managed by ADM Limited are funded through the Vote of the Department of the Taoiseach.
The programme was approved by the European Commission in July 1995. The implementation of the programme throughout 1995 and 1996 involved advertising for funding, the development of local plans, the evaluation of the plans and allocation of funding by ADM. The expenditure on the programme for 1996 was, accordingly, estimated at a reasonably low level. It is envisaged, however, that expenditure in 1997 will substantially increase and this is reflected in the 1997 allocation for the programme in the Department's Vote.
Since this question relates to the European Union, may I be permitted to express my appreciation to the Leader of the Opposition, the only Opposition party present in the House today, for the co-operation given to the Irish Presidency in the European Parliament? It was my job to take questions on behalf of the European Parliament. The leader of the Fianna Fáil group, Mr. Collins, pledged the group's co-operation which was forthcoming. I greatly appreciate that; it was very much in the national interest. They did their job as MEPs but they were very co-operative and I welcome the opportunity to record my appreciation.