Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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93. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has held discussions with the European Commission in relation to the possible allocation of additional funding for the Border region in view of the particular challenges that will arise in the area following Brexit and the need to improve infrastructure to assist existing businesses remain competitive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43655/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As I am sure the Deputy will agree, the EU-funded INTERREG and PEACE programmes continue to act as important drivers of regional development for the border region of Ireland and for Northern Ireland. The current INTERREG Programme has a total value of €282 million and is aimed at promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion. The current PEACE Programme has a total value of €270 million and aims to promote peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

Ever since the UK referendum on EU membership the Government’s clear and consistent position has been that it is committed to the successful implementation of the current programmes and to successor arrangements post-2020. My officials and I have been working with the European Commission at all levels to ensure that this important source of funding for the border region continues post-Brexit.

I am pleased, therefore, that the Government’s ambition for the programmes was reflected in last December’s EU-UK Joint Report on Brexit in which both parties undertook to honour their commitments to the PEACE and INTERREG programmes under the current Multiannual Financial Framework and to examine the possibilities for future support favourably. This was matched by a commitment from the Commission to propose the continuation of the programmes in its proposal for the next MFF covering the period 2021-2027.

This has now happened, and I warmly welcome the Commission’s recent proposal for a special new PEACE PLUS programme which will build on and continue the work of successive PEACE and INTERREG programmes. My officials and I are continuing to work with the Commission on the development of this new programme to ensure that the challenges facing the border region are addressed.