Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:194 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs what assistance the Government will offer to the Conway Mill Preservation Trust development in west Belfast. [8560/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 23 March 2004
Ceisteanna (194)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department's reconciliation fund was established in 1982 to assist organisations involved in reconciliation work and in developing a better understanding between people in both parts of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain. Since its establishment, it has funded a wide variety of organisations working in the field of reconciliation in Northern Ireland, between North and South and between these islands.
The Department welcomes applications from organisations whose activities may qualify for consideration under the criteria governing the fund. All applications are considered by an interdepartmental advisory committee on the basis of published eligibility criteria and the committee then makes its recommendations to me. In 2003, Conway Mill Preservation Trust Limited applied for grant aid of £300,000 sterling to the reconciliation fund. I regret that, on account of the constraints arising from the numerous applications received and the limited resources available, it was not possible on that occasion to provide financial support to this application. A letter informing the organisation of this decision was issued in August 2003. It is open to Conway Mill Preservation Trust Limited to apply again to the reconciliation fund.