Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:137 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on progress in his efforts to secure a PEACE III programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29974/04]
View answerTuesday, 23 November 2004
Questions (91)
Written answers
The Government is very aware of the valuable role the PEACE II programme has played in building peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border region and that there continues to be a need for such funding. Therefore, I welcome that an extension is being pursued on foot of the conclusions of the heads of state meeting of June 2004 which, responding to a joint initiative by the two Prime Ministers concerned, invited the Commission to examine the possibility of extending the programme to 2006.
Officials in my Department are working closely with the UK Government, the Department of Finance and personnel in the North, the special EU programmes body, SEUPB, the Commission and the Presidency on this matter. The SEUPB, which manages the programme, carried out extensive public consultation over the summer to find out how, if the extension is granted, the additional moneys should be focused. There was a very good response to this consultation — more than 70 written responses and a wide attendance at public meetings. This shows the high level of engagement with the PEACE II programme. Based on these consultations my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Finance and personnel in Northern Ireland, submitted proposals for an extension to the European Commission on 30 September last.
The proposals were adopted by the Commission on 13 October. The proposals require amendments to EC Regulation No. 1260/1999 on the PEACE programme and budgetary adjustments to secure funds for an extended programme. These require a Council decision and ratification by the European Parliament by the end of the year. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to make every possible effort to get a positive decision so that Peace funding can be continued under an extended programme in 2005.
As the Deputy is aware, the proposed extension would bring the programme in line with other structural fund programmes which run to 2006. If extended, spending in the PEACE programme may occur until 2008.