Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
56. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the range of projects that can be funded under his Department's Reconciliation Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3330/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s Reconciliation Fund was established in 1982 to support civil society organisations in creating a better understanding and relations between people and traditions on the island of Ireland, and between Ireland and Britain. Since its establishment, the Fund has disbursed over €65 million in grant assistance to over 3,000 projects.
The Reconciliation Fund supports a wide variety of organisations in the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities in Northern Ireland and border counties as well as organisations working a on north-south basis along with a small number of organisations based in Britain. All projects supported by the Fund must be aligned to the Reconciliation Fund Strategy, available on my Department's website. The Strategy sets out the core aims and objectives of the Fund against the evolving context for reconciliation across these islands.
In Budget 2024, I secured a 40% increase in the allocation to the Reconciliation Fund to €7,000,000. This increase will allow the Fund to provide enhanced support this year for projects and organisations that seek either to address the drivers of division, conflict, and barriers, or to build a strong civil society that encompasses all communities. The window for application for the Fund's 12-month grants will open in February. The typical grant is around €25,000, but awards can be as small as €2,000.
Separately, the Fund has strategic partnerships stream, which allows for 3-year funding arrangements typically in excess of €100,000 per year. Applications to this stream will be accepted later this year.
A full list of the organisations which received funding from the Reconciliation Fund since 2012 is available on my Department’s website : www.gov.ie/en/service/acf50-reconciliation-fund/#annual-round-funding
