My Department’s Reconciliation Fund was established in 1982 to support civil society organisations in creating a better understanding between people and traditions on the island of Ireland, and between Ireland and Britain. The Fund has supported over 3,000 projects with more than €60 million in grant funding since its establishment.
In spring 2021, I approved a new strategy for the Reconciliation Fund for the period 2021-2024, to ensure that the Fund continues to support our vision of a reconciled Ireland and remains relevant, effective, and efficient over the coming years, particularly given the difficult contexts of Brexit and COVID-19. To support implementation of this ambitious new strategy, I have also increased the Reconciliation Fund budget, with grants awarded in 2022 expected to reach €5.0m, up from a budget of €3.7m in 2020.
I am satisfied that the Reconciliation Fund continues to make a vital and effective contribution to peace on these islands through its support for reconciliation based projects in a range of sectoral and geographic areas.
To ensure that maximum benefit is achieved with available financial resources, applications undergo a rigorous assessment stage, including consideration by an Interdepartmental Consultative Committee, to ensure that those projects with greatest potential impact and strongest alignment to the criteria of the Fund, are supported. Formal written reporting is required on completion of projects. The impact of projects is also assessed through engagement with funded organisations and on-site monitoring visits.
Formal reporting and the feedback we get on the ground at community and political levels (as well as via our annual Reconciliation Networking Forum), indicate that our grants are effective in fulfilling the objectives of the Fund.
I recognise that Brexit has led to more civic discussion and debate about constitutional change, and I believe that the Reconciliation Fund has an important role to play in supporting initiatives in this area, by funding opportunities for research and inclusive dialogue which aim to foster greater mutual understanding and sustainable North-South links.
