Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 2

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

23 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in regard to the commitment given in the Belfast Agreement that the Government would continue to take further active steps to demonstrate its respect for the different traditions on the island of Ireland, he will outline the progress made to date in those areas for which his Department has responsibility; if, in this regard, he has considered the recent report produced by the Irish Platform for Peace and Reconciliation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4643/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The Government's commitment to demonstrating its respect for the different traditions in the island of Ireland is an important aspect of the Good Friday Agreement and we continue to work actively to fulfil it.

In support of its efforts in this area, in April 1999 the Government increased the funding available to groups working to achieve peace and mutual understanding between the different traditions on the island of Ireland to £2 million per annum, an eight-fold increase. The moneys are disbursed through the Reconciliation Fund, operated by my Department. This increase enabled us to provide grants worth £4 million to 137 organisations involved in a wide range of cross community, educational, research and outreach activities in 1999 and 2000.

Furthermore, my predecessor, Deputy Andrews, established an interdepartmental committee on the development of the Battle of the Boyne site on 8 January, 1998. The committee is making good progress on this historic project which has unique symbolic significance for the Unionist tradition in Ireland.

The report of the Peace and Reconciliation Platform points to the need for continued engagement with the task of building understanding, respect and trust between the different traditions on this island. As such, the Government will continue to examine the potential for further measures to strengthen relationships between these traditions and to promote an inclusive understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the island as a whole. The publication of the report represents a further contribution to the debate on reconciliation on this island.

Question No. 24 answered with Question No. 9.