Colm M. Hilliard
Question:96 Mr. Hilliard asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which the sum of £5.9 million was estimated in subhead F 3 of Vote 38 in the 1997 Estimates for the Public Services. [1622/97]
Written Answers. - Departmental Estimates.
The provision under subhead F3 in my Department's vote relates to the EU Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties. The Programme covers the period 1995 to 1999 with a total EU funding of £240 million (approximately) allocated for the first three year phase.
While the Department of Finance has overall responsibility for the programme, my Department is responsible for the implementation and funding of two measures under the cross-Border sub-programme involving a total expenditure of approximately £10.4 million in the first phase of the peace programme. The first measure is concerned with business and cultural links and is being administered by an intermediary funding body, Co-operation North, in association with IBEC and CBI (NI). My Department will provide approximately £5.8 million in EU and Government matching funds to Co-operation North under this measure. The second measure is concerned with co-operation between public bodies and is directly administered by my Department. Expenditure under this measure is expected to be in the region of £4.6 million.
The amount of £5.9 million provided for under subhead F3 in 1997 includes a provision of £3.2 million for the measure concerning business and cultural links and the balance of £2.7 million for the measure covering co-operation between public bodies. The amounts are based on the expenditure profiles provided in the projects already approved and those at present under consideration. Progress on implementation of the measures is satisfactory and it is expected that all the available funding under both measures will be committed to approved projects during 1997.