Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 21: To ask the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with his EU counterparts, including the British Government, regarding new funding for the PEACE programme in the period 2007 to 2013; the outcome of those discussions; the position regarding the funding proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12283/06]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with his EU counterparts, including the British Government, regarding new funding for the PEACE programme in the period 2007 to 2013; the outcome of those discussions; the position regarding the funding proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12712/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 130 together.

The Government is very aware of the valuable role that PEACE II and its predecessor, PEACE I, have played in building peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border region. Therefore, I am very glad to be able to report that due to efforts of the Irish and the British Governments, the agreement at the European Council of 16 December last on the financial perspectives for 2007 to 2013 included a provision for a successor to these programmes, PEACE III.

The European Union will provide €200 million towards the PEACE III programme. The relevant EU regulations are being finalised by the European Council and European Parliament. I expect PEACE III will be accepting new applications for funding in early 2007.