The total EU funding available to the Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border counties of Ireland is 300 million ECU (IR£240) over three years. Up to 80 per cent of the funding will be available for activities in Northern Ireland and at least 20 per cent (IR£48 million) for activities in Border counties. At least 15 per cent of the overall amount is devoted to activities carried out in a cross-Border context.
As the Deputy is aware, funding for a further two years is subject to a European Commission review. An independent evaluation of the programme is at present being undertaken and I have every confidence that the progress to date will support the Commission's case in respect of funding for the final two years.
A measure by measure breakdown of commitments to 31 December 1996 is shown in the following schedule, together with the total committed as of that date.
Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation.