Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

This project and the working group promoting it should have the full support of Government. I urge the Minister to authorise and facilitate grant aid and direct funding, whatever mechanisms must be triggered and whatever budget the project must come under. I am confident the Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith, will be proactive, as he is in the wider children's area, and will support the project. I urge the Government to grant the funding.

As a recent member of Cavan County Council, I am aware the council is proactively in favour of the project and will support it in a substantial way. It has obvious health implications for children nationally and is of huge consequence for all who participate. It is also of great consequence for tourism and is a great educational opportunity for children. The project deserves direct grant aid and departmental support from the Minister's Department and other Departments that deal with peace and reconciliation funding. No stone should be left unturned in supporting the project.

We should salute the voluntarism and the wonderful work done by those who lead Scouting Ireland, some of whom are present in the Visitors Gallery, and the great efforts of the quiet volunteers throughout Ireland. We should give them the backing they require for what could be a landmark project and a major initiative for children in the Minister of State's constituency. It is a golden opportunity to give effect to a project of tremendous cross-Border significance for all of us, particularly children. I hope we can leave this House today with a commitment from the Minister of State. I would love to bring back that news to the young people of my county.