More European Union cash aid for the International Fund for Ireland was welcomed today as a boost for peace and reconciliation efforts.
The IFI was set up by the Irish and British governments 20 years ago and has attracted worldwide financial contributions that have delivered 6,000 social and economic revival projects costing more than €830 million.
Today, the European Commission, which has contributed more than one third of the total since 1989, announced that it proposed contributing another €60 million between 2007-2010.
Regional Policy Commissioner Danuta Hubner said: "This is a clear manifestation of the deep and on-going commitment of the Union to the peace and reconciliation process in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
"The IFI has produced remarkable results in pacing the way towards a better and peaceful future for the people in Ireland and Northern Ireland."
Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins commented: "I am delighted. I believe the money will contribute to the ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts on the island of Ireland."
"The IFI has become a success not only in Ireland but has also been used as model in the promotion of reconciliation in other parts of the world."
The proposed extra EU funding, which will receive the necessary formal approval from EU ministers in December, is in addition to the €200 million euros - €140 million - that will be allocated from EU regional policy funds to the programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE programme), which operates in Northern Ireland and in the border region of Ireland.