An EU contribution of 17 million ECUs to the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) over the next two years was voted by MEPs this month. They overwhelmingly supported the Commission's proposal to continue the European Union's financial support and commitment to the International Fund for Ireland (IFI). The British and Irish governments established this international organisation in 1986 as a direct result of the Anglo-Irish Agreement. Its aim was to develop co-operation between the two communities and to help overcome the social and economic consequences of the violence and mistrust permeating Northern Ireland and the southern border counties.
Amendments adopted have the dual aim of improving consistency and co-ordination between the IFI and the other EU support mechanisms (coming mainly from the Structural Funds' Peace and Reconciliation initiatives), and improving public awareness of the depth of the EU's involvement in the fund.
Viewed by most as a great success, this 11-year-old fund has put together a most impressive list of programmes geared towards promoting economic and social advances, as well as establishing contact, dialogue and reconciliation between unionists and nationalists throughout Ireland. Overcoming centuries of hostility and mistrust is a challenging undertaking, but not beyond comprehension: as John Hume (NI, PES) explained, "the real heart of the solution is to follow the example of the European Union, which is the greatest example in the entire history of the world of conflict resolution."
The real successes of the IFI can be directly linked to its grass-roots, cross-community approach, which has attempted to engage the most severely affected populations in the process. Only by insuring, as Arlene McCarthy stated in the debate, that "communities at the heart of the problem be at heart of the solution" will the prospect of a lasting peace be found.
Current IFI Programmes
Communities in Action Programme:
This pilot programme set up in 1996 with a planned duration of three years is geared towards the most disadvantaged areas both North and South. Designed to promote initiatives focusing on the needs of children in their early years, marginalised adolescents, and women out of work. After receiving a great number of initial applications, 30 individual projects located in the most needy rural and urban areas have been selected to receive a share of the £2.5 million available annually.
The Community Bridges Programme:
Developed after re-evaluating the IFI's former Community Relations Programme, this project began in 1996. It supports cross-community groups, which promote greater dialogue and understanding. 16 major projects were selected to receive support in 1996.
The Small Business Loan Fund:
First introduced by the IFI in 1994, was recently handed over to private sector management in 1996. This initiative's main target is the development of small businesses in Northern Ireland's most disadvantaged areas. In just over two years of this pilot programmes operation, over 211 small businesses were directly assisted with loans ranging from £5,000 to £15,000, totalling over £3 million. Over 900 new jobs created in the region have direct links to this programme.