Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 October 2019
56. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the expected expenditure in 2020 on the peace and reconciliation fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44166/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Reconciliation Fund, which is administered by my Department, was established in 1982 to support civil society organisations in creating better understanding between the people and traditions of the island of Ireland, and also between Ireland and Britain. Over €54 million has been allocated to more than 2,000 projects during this time.
As part of the 2014 Stormont House Agreement, the Government committed to the continued allocation of €2.7 million annually to the Reconciliation Fund.
The annual budget for the Fund was €2.7 million in 2018. In May 2018, on the 20th Anniversary of the referendums on the Good Friday Agreement, I announced that it would be increased to €3.7 million from 2019 onwards, reflecting the Government's unwavering commitment to the Agreement and to supporting the vital work of reconciliation being carried out by civil society and groups in Northern Ireland and across this island. It is my intention that the budget for the Reconciliation Fund will be retained at this significantly increased level for 2020.
More information on the Reconciliation Fund is available on my Department’s website at: https://www.dfa.ie/about-us/funding/reconciliation-fund/
