Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 November 2012
118. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he or the SEUPB will give consideration to the possibility of an extension of six months to the conclusion of Peace III in order that partnerships will wind down in a timely manner rather than rush spend in order to get the final financial records updated by 31 December 2013. [53224/12]
View answer119. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he Department or the SEUPB have considered the issue of there being a gap of one year between the conclusion of Peace III and the commencement of Peace IV; his views on whether there is the danger that relationships built up, expertise and follow up on projects may be lost if this occurs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53225/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 119 together.
The PEACE III Programme (2007-2013) is a €333m cross-border programme co-funded by the European Union. Its aim is to promote reconciliation and to help to build a more peaceful and stable society in Northern Ireland and the border region of Ireland.
PEACE III is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body and is subject to the European Union regulations governing structural funds.
Under EU rules, PEACE III programme funds must be committed by the end of 2013 and project expenditure must be completed during 2015 at the latest for programme closure. Each project will have a timeframe agreed in its Letter of Offer so while some projects have already completed expenditure, others are ongoing and some will still be spending in 2014 and 2015. SEUPB works closely with all project holders in receipt of PEACE III funding to ensure that their objectives are completed within the timeframe outlined and agreed in their conditions of grant.
The next round of EU Structural Funds will cover the 2014-2020 period and negotiations on the Commission’s legislative package are currently under way. In fact, we will be seeking to make substantial progress on the Cohesion dossier during our Presidency.
I am continuing to press for a new PEACE Programme for the 2014-2020 period. However, the support of the UK Government and the EU Institutions (Commission, Council and Parliament) will be required. If a PEACE IV programme is agreed, there will be an overlap period between PEACE III and PEACE IV in 2014 and 2015, where some projects continue to have activity and expenditure under PEACE III, and PEACE IV projects are commencing. This position pertains to all EU Structural and Cohesion programmes and transitional provisions are included in the regulations.
