26 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts, if any, he has made to ensure that EU funding for peace and reconciliation to support the peace process will be extended from 1997 to 1999. [11472/97]

The Government attach the highest priority to ensuring continued funding for the peace programme in 1998 and 1999 and are working to achieve this objective.

The European Union Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation was established for the period 1995-9 and is making a substantial contribution towards reconciliation and development in Northern Ireland and the Border counties. EU funding of 300 MECU was provided for the first three years and provision made for a review of the programme during 1997. As part of this review process decisions will be taken, on the basis of proposals from the Commission, on further funding for the final two years.