17 Ean 2012, 16:33
The Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, Dominic Hannigan TD, has welcomed news that the Tánaiste, First Minister and deputy First Minister are to bid for a new EU peace funding package for Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland.
The PEACE III funding programme, which began in 2007, is due to expire next year. Since its launch, the programme has invested over €250 million into initiatives to work towards a peaceful, reconciled and shared society.
Welcoming the news that both administrations are seeking a new package to begin next year, Deputy Hannigan said: “PEACE III has seen real results, in which many communities have benefited directly from the investment. It is important that we work together to secure further funding. At a time when resources are scarce, funding such as this brings real benefit the communities that need help the most.
“I should also point out the great work that has been done by the Special EU Programmes Body, which is a North/South body, set up under the Good Friday Agreement. This body has responsibility for managing the cross-border funding and has ensured that the EU’s Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE III) has been put to best use.
“When a delegation of TDs, Senators, and MPs from the Joint Committee visited a new “Peace Gate” which helped bring two North Belfast communities together in October 2011, we were impressed to actually see at first-hand how this funding can help in aiding peace and reconciliation projects across the island of Ireland.
“I welcome the commitment made by the Tánaiste, First Minister and deputy First Minister, and hope that the Ministers in Dublin and Belfast, through a joint approach, will ensure that this vital funding continues over the coming years.”
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Members of the Committee
Deputies: Seán Conlan, Seán Crowe, Clare Daly, Regina Doherty, Alan Farrell, Frank Feighan, Martin Ferris, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, Dominic Hannigan, Michael P. Kitt, Joe McHugh, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Joe O’Reilly, Brendan Smith and Joanna Tuffy.
Senators: Jim D’Arcy, Maurice Cummins, Martin McAleese, Mary Moran, Mary White.