Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The points raised by the Deputy are really well made. I have been briefed on several of the projects that have already been undertaken under the current PEACE and INTERREG programmes. They are inspiring and I am looking forward to visiting several of these programmes in person as soon as the public health restrictions allow.

It is absolutely appropriate that one of the key themes in the draft programme is about empowering and investing in young people. Such a commitment from the Irish Government, the UK Government and the European Union is absolutely necessary and has never been more needed than it is now. I will take on board the points made by the Deputy to ensure that the voice of young people in Northern Ireland and the Border counties is heard as we finalise the plan for the new, ambitious and really exciting PEACE+ programme.

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