European Peace and Reconciliation funding of €500 million (about £394 million) will have a significant impact on the Border region, particularly in tackling social exclusion and addressing reconciliation, the Minister for Social Community and Family Affairs, Mr Ahern, said yesterday.
Speaking at the publication of a review of the EU-funded Peace and Reconciliation Programme, Mr Ahern said that while the work of Area Development Management and the Combat Poverty Agency (ADM/CPA) had been invaluable, the Border counties would need sustained support.
The Peace and Reconciliation Programme was set up in 1995 following the ceasefires declared by the paramilitaries.
Since it became operational in 1996 it has funded a diverse range of community groups on both sides of the Border.
A new Peace and Reconciliation Programme to cover the period 2000 to 2006 will focus on promoting social and economic development as well as reconciliation, the Minister said yesterday.
In welcoming the report, Mr Ahern said: "The Border region is sustaining a mix of social and economic development, underpinned by reconciliation work."
The Minister added that he was convinced that the "programme had made a very significant contribution to lasting peace and the Government is committed to building on this success in the next Peace Programme."
Ms Anna Lee, joint chairwoman of the ADM/CPA programme, said the success needed to be highlighted as "there is much that others can learn from this approach. The launch is particularly timely given the changing political climate and the potential establishment of new cross-Border institutions."
The review found that the programme had effectively targeted a whole range of groups, including youth at risk, the pre-school sector, women and former prisoners.
Copies of the review can also be obtained by contacting ADM/CPA Programme Offices at European Union House, Monaghan (047) 71340.