Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 2

Written Answers. - Peace and Reconciliation Fund.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

142 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will increase the Peace and Reconciliation Fund operated by his Department to enable increased contact between community groups, local authorities and other organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21427/02]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The Department of Foreign Affairs has at its disposal, under subhead F1 of its budget, a reconciliation fund for North-South and Anglo-Irish co-operation. Its purpose is to assist organisations involved in reconciliation work and in promoting better understanding between people in both parts of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain.

The Good Friday Agreement recognised the importance of the work being done by many organisations involved in promoting reconciliation and mutual understanding and respect. Accordingly, since 1999, the Government has allocated €2.539 million per annum to the reconciliation fund. In the context of this year's estimates process, I am currently discussing with the Minister for Finance the budgetary allocation for the reconciliation fund for 2003.