Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Question 213: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of EU programmes aimed at peace and reconciliation; the funding which Ireland provides towards their operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14062/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border region of Ireland, commonly called PEACE II, is the programme to which the Deputy refers. The aim of this unique EU programme is to promote reconciliation and help to build a more peaceful and stable society in Northern Ireland and the six southern bordering counties, Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth. It has a strong bottom-up and cross-Border focus; a minimum of 15% of funds are allocated to cross-Border activities in the public, private and community sectors. PEACE II also concentrates on those areas, groups and sectors which have suffered most from the Troubles. Projects must demonstrate capacity to promote reconciliation and peace-building.

The PEACE II programme has five priorities economic renewal, social integration, inclusion and reconciliation, locally-based regeneration and development strategies, outward and forward looking regions and cross-Border co-operation.

PEACE I ran from 1994 to 1999 and the duration of PEACE II was supposed to be from 2000 to 2004. However, following a joint initiative from the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister the European Council announced its support in June 2004 for an extension of the programme for a further two years to 2006. This extension will bring it in line with other structural fund programmes. The Border region received €106 million between 2000 and 2004 and this was matched with €35 million by the Irish Exchequer.

The EU also provides approximately €15 million each year to the International Fund for Ireland, IFI, which was established by the Irish and British Governments in 1986 to promote economic and social advance and to promote contact, dialogue and reconciliation between Nationalists and Unionists throughout Ireland. The IFI also receives funding from the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.