Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister's response, but I put it to him that the planning process for any project takes a considerable lead-in time and considerable delivery time. The reality is the Irish Government needs to get a commitment from the EU for the continuation of projects, at least on the southern side. After the Chancellor's budget on 18 November, if the British Government is serious about the peace process and the importance of co-operation North and South, it is incumbent on the Government to ensure the money is ring-fenced. If we do not plan the projects it is no good stating that it will be for two years as has been suggested by the Department; it is not a case of live horse and you will get grass. If we want to get projects off the ground we must have a commitment right through. This is what is needed if people firmly believe in the peace process and believe that it is about getting on as a community on these islands, North and South. Everybody should sign up to it regardless of Brexit.

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