Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 October 2004
71 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the progress to date on efforts to extend the PEACE II programme to 2006 and to establish a PEACE III programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24824/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very aware of the valuable role the PEACE II programme has played in building peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border region and am hopeful that it will be extended for a further two years as proposed.
Officials in my Department are working closely with the Department of Finance and Personnel in the North, the special EU programmes body, SEUPB, and the Commission to make sure that the possibility of an extension is realised. The SEUPB, which manages the programme, carried out extensive public consultation over the summer to find out how, if the extension is granted, the additional moneys should be focused. There was a very good response to this consultation; over 70 written responses and a wide attendance at public meetings. This shows the high level of engagement with the PEACE II programme. Based on these consultations my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland, submitted proposals for an extension to the European Commission on 30 September last.
The proposal requires a Commission decision and ratification by the European Parliament by the end of the year. I am hopeful that we can get a positive decision so that further funding will be available under an extended programme in 2005 and 2006.
As the Deputy is aware, the proposed extension would bring the programme in line with other Structural Funds programmes which run to 2006. Spending in the PEACE II programme may occur until 2008. A PEACE III programme would form part of the 2007 to 2013 financial perspective. Discussions on post-2006 Structural Funds are at a very early stage. In due course, a PEACE III package will be considered as part of the 2007 to 2013 financial perspective.
