Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is good to see Senator Ahearn in the Leader’s chair today. I also join colleagues in sending my condolences to our colleague and friend Senator Moynihan on the unexpected passing of her dear mother at such a young age. We send our sympathies to Rebecca and her extended family.

Today I want to talk about the shared island civic society fund. Last week the Tánaiste announced the provision of €1 million for 35 cross-Border projects. The Tánaiste, Deputy Martin, is hugely committed to the shared island initiative, which was his idea and which also had the support of the previous Government. It is a very positive initiative to which the Tánaiste has given energy, commitment and determination. It is about building bridges, both North and South, as well as east and west. I commend him for that. I am particularly pleased that included in the round of funding that he announced for 2024 is the all-island women's soccer competition staged by the FAI and the Northern Ireland Football League. That competition is one of the major beneficiaries of the grants that the Tánaiste announced. When Deputy Martin established the shared island initiative in 2020 he spoke of a positive vision for the future of our island. He talked about a more confident, inclusive and prosperous Ireland for everyone, North and South. We should celebrate his work on this to date. I ask the Acting Leader to organise statements on what is a very important initiative. The shared island civic society fund promotes practical co-operation and interaction in civil society. It is all about collaboration and working together for everyone who wants to call Ireland home, both North and South. Let us share it together. Let us share in the prosperity and celebrate the achievements to date. In that context, I ask that we extend a warm invitation to the Tánaiste, Deputy Martin, to come to the House soon to discuss its progress.