Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the work on successor programmes to PEACE and INTERREG and the maintenance of funding under these programmes, there are two signature points coming up. The first will be in May, when we expect a communication from the European Council on its proposals for the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework, MFF. This is important because most of the funding used to underpin the programmes comes from the EU budget which will be determined by the new Multi-Annual Financial Framework which will have to be negotiated. As to what we will do before and after that, my officials and I regularly engage with the Commission on what will be the precedent for implementing replacement programmes. I have visited areas where a number of the programmes are in operation. Some months ago, for example, I visited Derry where I observed the programmes in action. While I was aware of some of the projects being undertaken under the PEACE and INTERREG programmes in counties Cavan and Monaghan, my support for this work was reaffirmed when I witnessed the tangible effects of the investments in addressing many of the difficulties still experienced by communities.

Funding for the equality proofing initiative is located across a variety of expenditure lines in the Department. I do not have a single budget line for it because it happens under a number of Votes, namely, education and skills; business, enterprise and innovation; transport, tourism and sport; culture; health; and children and youth affairs.

For each of those Votes within my Department, work is under way on equality budgeting, all of which has been acknowledged by me a number of times and by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone. This is also a commitment in the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020.