Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, has welcomed the announcement by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to award over €1.5 million in grants to support community organisations working on both sides of the border.
Crowe, who is also a member of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, broadly welcomed the fact that the grants would be specifically awarded to 74 reconciliation and anti-sectarianism projects.
Deputy Crowe said:
“I welcome the announcement from the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore, that his Department will award over €1.5 million in grants to 74 reconciliation and anti-sectarian projects across this island of Ireland.
“Communities are still coming out of conflict and it is important that we recognise that post-conflict communities need sustained support and investment, particularly at the grass-roots level.
“This week marks the 15th Anniversary of the passing of the Good Friday Agreement which was endorsed by the overwhelming majority of people on this island. However all parties, and particularly the Irish and British Governments, must not get complacent.
“The Good Friday Agreement needs to be fully implemented and the peace process cannot be taken for granted or suffer paralysis. The Agreement needs to develop and grow in a way that reflects the aspirations of change envisaged in the original peace plan.
“This week I met with the Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, Ms. Kathryn Stone, and it is quite clear that victims and families are still struggling due to the direct effects of the conflict.
“I repeated Sinn Féin’s call for an Independent International Truth Commission to deal with legacy issues arising out of the conflict in Ireland and highlighted the negative impact that the proposed Welfare Reform Bill would have on some victims.
“The Irish and British Government’s must ensure that all marginalised and vulnerable communities receive the supports and investment they need to develop socio-economically, and to implement reconciliation programmes and projects.
“This announcement is a good news story and will no doubt facilitate the important work of deepening the peace process.”
ENDS