Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the composition of the Conflict Resolution Unit; when and the location where the Irish academic centre will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29328/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to the answer given to PQ 304 on 23rd October 2007 (attached), in which I outlined the structure of the Conflict Resolution Unit and explained that my Department is in the final phase of completing its work programme in this area, which will set out the Unit's key objectives. The Unit will be a cross-cutting one, working closely with Irish Aid and Anglo-Irish Divisions and relevant Desks in Political Division. The Programme for Government sets out a number of key goals to support Ireland's activities in the field of conflict resolution, including a Stability Fund, a system of roving ambassadors to crisis regions, and the creation of an Irish Academic Centre for Conflict Resolution. The Centre is intended to provide academic and analytical capability in the area of conflict resolution, drawing on national expertise to strengthen the policy research and knowledge base for greater Irish involvement in international conflict resolution.

Developing and drawing on Irish academic resources is an exciting but challenging goal. The Conflict Resolution Unit is currently completing a study of comparable academic centres abroad. This will identify best practice and offer a range of possible options for the remit and structures most appropriate to our own resources and goals. No decisions as to the configuration of the proposed Centre or its location have yet been taken.