Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The briefing notes with which members have been provided indicate an increased allocation of 17% for programme B and 7.4% for programme A. What are the criteria for deciding upon allocation for 2018? The allocation for some programmes has increased, while for others it has decreased. On the new missions, some will be full embassies and some will not. On what basis is that being decided?

On the civil society groups, we met several which are working in the North on peace and reconciliation and there is no doubt that they are carrying out very valuable work. However, some have been there for a very long time and there may be no space for new groups that might have a different idea or approach or, because they have been doing something differently, might like to present a new and innovative idea. Is there space for such groups in that regard?