Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 122: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he supports a PEACE IV programme. [13578/12]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 123: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether any PEACE IV will continue to be a separate fund distinct from the territorial co-operation funds of Britain and Ireland. [13579/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.

Successive PEACE programmes have made an important contribution to the social and economic well-being of the people of Northern Ireland and the border regions. The programmes have contributed towards the reinforcement of progress towards a peaceful and stable society in Northern Ireland, as well as promoting reconciliation between the communities there. More work remains to be done in this regard, and therefore the Government strongly supports a PEACE IV programme and has already had preliminary contact with the British Government on how to manage this initiative.

There is also widespread support in Northern Ireland for a PEACE IV programme. The First Minister and the Deputy First Minister have indicated their positive view in relation to PEACE IV.

The European Commission in Brussels considers PEACE to be a flagship programme which demonstrates the European Union's significant role in supporting peace and stability in Northern Ireland. PEACE III runs until 2013, and the relevant budgetary discussions are now underway in Brussels to negotiate a new Multi-annual Financial Framework. Those negotiations are however still at an early stage.