Sir, - The announcement by Mr David Andrews of an eight-fold increase in the Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund for 1999 is to be particularly welcomed.
In the Good Friday Agreement the Government recognised the need for reconciliation between traditions on this island. In the spirit of the agreement, it recognised the work being done by organisations to develop reconciliation and mutual understanding and that such work had a vital role in consolidating peace and political agreement.
As a result, the Government pledged to examine the case for enhanced financial assistance for the work of reconciliation. Mr Andrews's announcement is a fulfilment of this pledge, and evidence of the seriousness of the Government in working to build new relations in a new environment. The Minister deserves recognition and congratulations for this commitment.
We were disappointed that this announcement did not receive the media attention which it deserved. This illustrates once again the lack of coverage of positive work towards reconciliation. - Yours, etc., Tony Kennedy and Ian White,
Chief Executive, Co-operation Ireland, Director, Glencree, Botanic Avenue, Belfast 7.