North-South Implementation Bodies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018

Tuesday, 6 November 2018

Questions (242)

Micheál Martin

Question:

242. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the allocation in 2019 to North-South bodies in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45901/18]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform I have joint responsibility for the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), along with the Minister for Finance in Northern Ireland. As one of the North South Implementation Bodies established under the Good Friday Agreement, the Body is funded jointly by my Department and the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland.

While the absence of an Executive in Northern Ireland has meant that it has not been possible for Ministers to meet under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council, the SEUPB continues to fulfil its responsibilities for managing the EU-funded PEACE and INTERREG programmes, with more than 80% of programme expenditure committed. Its allocation from my Department for 2019 will be set out in the Revised Estimates Volume.