Most second-level schools in the Republic do not seem interested in getting involved with Horizon, the organisation which promotes friendship between second-level students north and south. "Our biggest problem is getting schools in the south to join," says co-ordinator Irene Dowd. There is no shortage of interest from schools in the north from both sides of the community.

Horizon aims to have up to 100 schools from the North and 100 schools from the Republic involved by the year 2,000. The organisation was launched five years ago when students from Alexandra College, Dublin, travelled with teachers, including the originator of this idea, Fran McKeagney, to Uisneach, the ancient centre of Ireland near Mullingar to plant a tree for peace. Horizon will hold its annual gathering in Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare, on March 12th to 15th - students from up to 50 schools will take part. Interested schools an write to Irene Dowd at Coorydarrigan, Schull, Co Cork - phone (028) 28875.