Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2023
134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which community groups in Northern Ireland continue to receive assistance and support as envisaged arising from the Good Friday Agreement, and more recently through subsequent agreements arising from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42091/23]
View answerThe Good Friday Agreement explicitly recognises the essential role that the community and voluntary sector plays in working towards reconciliation and mutual understanding across the island of Ireland. As part of reaffirming a continued commitment to promoting reconciliation, the Irish Government significantly increased funding available for peace and reconciliation work after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. A number of funding opportunities exist for community groups in Northern Ireland including the following: the Reconciliation Fund, the Shared Island Civic Society Fund and PEACEPLUS.
Since 1982, the Department of Foreign Affairs' Reconciliation Fund has been a key part of the Government’s support for peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland and plays an essential role in demonstrating in a very practical and tangible way the Government’s commitment to peace and reconciliation. The Fund awards grants to organisations working to build better relations within and between traditions in Northern Ireland, between North and South, and between Ireland and Britain. The majority of grants are awarded to community groups working within Northern Ireland. In the 25 years since the Good Friday Agreement, the Reconciliation Fund has grown significantly in size, with over €5 million available in 2023. The next funding round for the Reconciliation Fund will open in spring 2024.
The Shared Island Civic Society Fund, launched in January 2023, is a €3 million initiative which aims to promote practical North South cooperation and engagement, across a range of sectors and themes, consistent with the objectives and commitments of the Good Friday Agreement. Applications are required to have a clear North South dimension, involving cross-border partners collaborating on a project to strengthen North South civic, economic, cultural, and/or political links. The latest round of the Shared Island Civic Society Fund is currently accepting applications (until Monday 23 October 2023) and full details of the Fund and how to apply can be found on my Department’s website.
The recently launched PEACEPLUS programme, funded by the EU, UK, NI Executive and Ireland and administered by the Special EU Programmes Body, was created to strengthen peace and prosperity within and between the border counties of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It will make €1.1 billion available in funding across 6 themes to a range of implementation partners. Further information regarding PEACEPLUS and the eligibility criteria is available on the SEUPB website.
