Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response and wish everyone participating in the talks continued success. I welcome the fact he said discussions have been productive. I note, however, a significant amount of work has yet to be done. Hopefully, it will be concluded successfully.

There is an obvious need to reduce sectarianism in Northern Ireland and a need to promote reconciliation. Has the British Government given any indication that it will provide the necessary resources to support progress in this area that would be put in place following a successful conclusion to the talks? I have in my mind the needs of the victims and survivors of the conflict. Support for those people needs to be prioritised with appropriate support programmes put in place in communities.

On the broader subject of the work of reconciliation, is the Minister aware there is widespread concern among community groups about the critical shortfall in funding needed for them to continue their work? That work is very important in the most disadvantaged areas. I have had both written and verbal communications from community groups from both traditions which are concerned about the challenges facing them due to shortfalls in funding.

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