The Minister will recall that on many occasions in the House and in correspondence I have raise with him the need for the PEACEPLUS programme to be operational as soon as possible. I compliment him on his role in securing €1.1 billion for this North-South programme over the next number of years. We need to build on the good work of the PEACE and INTERREG programmes. These programmes brought much-needed investment, in both social and economic terms, to many disadvantaged communities in the Border region and Northern Ireland. Over the years, I have been privileged to work with many community groups throughout Cavan and Monaghan and statutory agencies locally, which have provided many worthwhile facilities and services arising from that investment. This has been replicated throughout the northern half of our country. Many of the groups need this funding in order to continue programmes that are bringing real benefits to different communities, many of which both North and South have been disadvantaged over the years. I have received queries from groups in my constituency and outside our jurisdiction that are anxious to have some certainty about the timeframe for rolling out this very important programme where €1.1 billion will be invested in communities.

I thank the Deputy for raising the PEACEPLUS programme and acknowledge his consistent advocacy for this very exciting programme, in respect of which over €1.1 billion has been allocated. It was approved by the Governments, North and South, in the autumn of last year and was submitted to the European Commission in March. Work to finalise the financing agreement for PEACEPLUS between the EU, Ireland and the UK is at an advanced stage. All parties are aiming to reach an agreed text in July. The formal launch of PEACEPLUS is anticipated for the autumn. We need to see the approval by the Commission of the PEACEPLUS programme. We are expecting that in the near future and, hopefully, all will be set for a launch in the autumn. A lot of advance work is happening pre application. Support is being put in place by the special EU programmes body and the local authorities in the North and along the Border counties to make sure groups are ready to go with their applications.