Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Shared Island Initiative is a whole of Government endeavour, co-ordinated by the Shared Island Unit in Department of the Taoiseach working closely with policy lead Departments and Agencies. The Department of Foreign Affairs works in partnership with the Department of the Taoiseach in playing an active role across Government in delivering on the objectives of the Shared Island Initiative.

I established the Shared Island Initiative in 2020 to work with all communities to build a vision for our shared future, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement. This includes a Shared Island Fund, with a commitment of at least €1 billion out to 2030 ring-fenced for all-island investment. To date, almost €200 million has been allocated from the Shared Island Fund to move forward on cross-border commitments, and also to support the delivery of new infrastructure projects. I expect further allocations from the Shared Island Fund to be announced next week. The Shared Island Initiative also involves a comprehensive research programme to inform inclusive dialogue on the future of our island and a Shared Island Dialogue series to bring all communities together on issues of common interest.

It was in response to need identified through the Shared Island Dialogues that earlier this year I launched the Shared Island Civic Society Fund. This will see at least €3 million invested North South over the coming period to promote practical civil society cooperation and engagement across a range of sectors and themes, consistent with the objectives and commitments of the Good Friday Agreement. I will shortly announce the full list of organisations which will receive funding as part the first tranche of Shared Island Civic Society Funding. A second call for proposals will issue in the Autumn.

I look forward to continuing to work with my Government colleagues and with our partners in Northern Ireland and the UK to further develop the Shared Island Initiative in the period ahead.