Vol. 550 No. 4
176 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received an application from the Western Drama Festival, Tubbercurry, County Sligo, for funding from the reconciliation fund; if funding will be granted; when a decision will be made; the amount of moneys that will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8590/02]
My Department's reconciliation fund was established in 1982 to assist organisations involved in reconciliation work and in developing a better understanding between people in both parts of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain. The Department welcomes applications from organisations which qualify for consideration under the criteria governing the fund. All applications are considered by an interdepartmental advisory committee on the basis of published eligibility criteria. The advisory committee then makes its recommendations to me. I understand that the application from the Western Drama Festival is being considered by the advisory committee. I expect to receive the committee's recommendations in the near future.
