Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2017
374. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to meet with representatives of civic society organisations in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34508/17]
View answerAs Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and on behalf of the Government as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, I will maintain regular engagement with a broad range of civic society organisations, groups, and representatives, across all communities and parts of Northern Ireland. I look forward to deepening this engagement in the weeks and months ahead. My focus will be to hear perspectives and experience from across civic and civil society - both North and South - on how the Government can continue to support and achieve the full and effective implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements, including to address the difficult legacy of the past, through the establishment of the architecture provided for under the Stormont House Agreement.
My Department will also continue to support the vital work of civil society on furthering peace and reconciliation through the Reconciliation Fund. The Reconciliation Fund has been running since 1982, and was increased significantly in 1998, following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. As part of the 2014 Stormont House Agreement, the Government committed to guaranteeing the continued allocation of €2.7 million annually to the Reconciliation Fund. In the first round of 2017 funding, grants amounting to nearly €1 million were allocated in support of 55 organisations. The closing date for the second round of 2017 funding will be Tuesday 19 September and more details are available on the Department’s website.
I look forward also to continuing, together with the Taoiseach, the Government’s All Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit in the period ahead, with stakeholders North and South. The All Island Civic Dialogue provides a vital platform, ensuring that civil society voices - North and South - are heard and taken account of as a central input to the Government’s engagement as we participate in the EU-UK negotiations and deal with the all-island implications of Brexit.
