Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The task force is only beginning its work. In the social capital area, the community aspect of the arts grant has seen an 18% increase to reflect much of the good work being done in different areas. The active citizenship task force will make its recommendations and supports. I believe it will support community initiatives and activities through local community work. While most of these resources will not come from my Department, we have provided for several other grants.

The increased provision for the commemorative initiatives subhead is to cover the 1916 Rising commemoration and the James Hoban initiative, which was the only sizeable grant.

The Newfoundland and Labrador business partnership was instigated by the EU ambassador, Mr. John Bruton. I had the opportunity of visiting the partnership's office this year. It has moved from a cultural aspect into bursaries, scholarships and businesses. There are quite a number of Irish business people doing business with Labrador. Like many of these initiatives, it has taken several years to get running. Although it only has a small staff, it has made good headway and is moving into the economic sphere.

We have provided for the Moriarty tribunal this year, which should be the end year. The figures provide for publication of the tribunal's reports. It is due to be finished mid-year and I hope that will be the end of it. The Haughey-Lowry and the Dunnes Stores provisions include fees that were not claimed. We hope that 2006 will see the end of them as subheads in the Estimates.

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