The Special EU Programmes Body has offices in Belfast, Omagh and Monaghan. It is responsible for the management and delivery of aspects of the PEACE and INTERREG EU funding programmes to Northern Ireland and the southern Border counties. By 2006, the EU will have provided over £1.3 billion in financial support to Northern Ireland and the southern Border counties through these programmes. Part of the strategic focus of the PEACE programme is to reinforce progress towards a peaceful and stable society and to promote reconciliation. Last week, the body held the launch of the new INTERREG programme in Newry. This Bill will help to ensure that the delivery of these important programmes to projects and groups on both sides of the Border is not affected by the temporary suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly. The SEUPB will continue to play its important part in building peace and stability on this island.