Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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29. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the plans she has in place to deal with the potential loss of substantial funding to the youth work sector as a result of withdrawal of EU PEACE funding post Brexit. [33539/16]

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Baineann an cheist seo leis an ról atá ag an Aontas Eorpach i maoiniú cláracha ar nós PEACE. The programme and the EU have taken an active role in recent years in promoting peace and reconciliation. Much of the funding went to youth projects, particularly in Border counties, North and South. What steps does the Minister intend to take to ensure that provision is not lost in those counties?

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I understand that funding under the PEACE IV programme has been secured until 2020. We will examine needs in the area for after that period. The EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation is a unique Structural Funds programme aimed at reinforcing progress towards a peaceful and stable society in Northern Ireland and the Border region of Ireland. It represents the EU's commitment to supporting the peace process across the region and was initially launched in 1995.

The PEACE IV programme 2014-20 represents a European Regional Development Fund investment of €229 million and will provide support to projects that contribute towards the promotion of greater levels of peace and reconciliation. The programme places a strong emphasis on promoting cross-community relationships and understanding in order to create a more cohesive society. The core objectives of PEACE IV will be to support actions that develop and deepen reconciliation between divided communities; increase tolerance and respect; promote increased community cohesion and contact; enhance cross-Border co-operation; and address the legacy of the past.

PEACE IV proposes activity in a number of areas, including children and young people. Under this theme, there is a focus on activities for disengaged young people. The programme makes reference to the potential of youth work initiatives and, in this regard, my Department has been actively engaged with its counterparts in Northern Ireland and with the youth sector to maximise the fund's potential. PEACE IV is a valuable programme and I will work to ensure that we derive the full benefits from it.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the Minister for her reply, but the answer largely reads as if there has been no change in the situation since the referendum. Of course, that is not the case. When the President of the European Commission, Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker, was asked whether PEACE funding would continue after Brexit, he stated that it would not. He stated that, until the treaties ceased to apply to a member state that had notified in accordance with Article 50 its intention to withdraw from the Union, the member state would remain a member of the Union with all rights and obligations of a member state, including those related to the implementation of the PEACE IV programme, and that this would cease at the time of Brexit.

These programmes are neatly tied together in a cross-Border manner. The British Government has committed to matching funds until the middle of next year but no further. As soon as Article 50 is engaged, the future of the PEACE IV programme and the subsequent PEACE V programme is under threat. What implications will this have for youth projects in Border counties?

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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My plan is to keep funding in place post Brexit. That is what I will work towards. I am happy to receive suggestions from the Deputy on how to support this. He was present in the Chamber when questions relevant to this matter were directed to the Taoiseach regarding PEACE funding and our commitment to what has been secured and guaranteed. On 3 November, calls were made for proposals, with a closing date for applications in January 2017. My Department has been working with its Northern counterpart to put in place the first tranche of funds in this regard. There may be some additional challenges from Brexit, but there is a Government commitment, particularly in terms of my Ministry, that PEACE funding will continue. We are working towards that objective.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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That concludes questions to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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I am entitled to ask a supplementary question.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is, but we are out of time. We must operate in accordance with the clock and the time allocated.