Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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147. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the funding allocated in 2020 for peace and reconciliation projects; the expected expenditure at the end of 2020; the funding provided for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44039/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Reconciliation Fund, which is administered by my Department, was established in 1982 to support civil society organisations in creating a better understanding between people and traditions on the island of Ireland, and also between Ireland and Britain. The Reconciliation Fund has supported almost 3,000 projects with more than €60 million in grant funding since its establishment.

The annual budget for the Fund was increased from €2.7 million to €3.7 million with effect from 2019. In the New Decade New Approach agreement which saw the restoration of devolved Government in Northern Ireland earlier this year, the Government committed to maintaining that level of funding.

The final grant payments of 2020 are currently being administered and it is expected that the 2020 budget of €3.7 million will be spent in full.

In light of the Government's continuing commitment to support the work of Peace and Reconciliation on the island of Ireland, and recognising, in particular, the impact of Brexit and ongoing effects of Covid-19 on the organisations we support, it is my intention that the budget of the Reconciliation Fund will see a further increase in 2021, and I will be confirming that shortly.