Sir, - Several months ago you publicised my sheer disbelief at the paltry funding allocation to the Anglo-Irish section of the Department of Foreign Affairs to support organisations dedicated to reconciliation and peacemaking.
May I now therefore welcome the securing of a £2 million Reconciliation Fund by David Andrews, Minister for Foreign Affairs, in accordance with the Government's pledge in the Good Friday Agreement (par. 13) to "positively examine the case for enhanced financial assistance for the work of reconciliation".
The 800 per cent increase in the Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund, and the commitment from the Minister to "the need for reconciliation between the traditions on this island and the promotion of a culture of tolerance", is an expression of support for the work of bodies like the Irish School of Ecumenics, whose research and teaching in both parts of the island engage sectarianism and reconciliation in structural and practical ways. Congratulations to Mr Andrews and Mr McCreevy on an initial bold gesture. We see in this a timely new impetus which not only recognises but supports the vital role of organisations in the peace and reconciliation sector in consolidating peace and political agreement. - Yours, etc., Dr Geraldine Smyth,
Irish School of Ecumenics, Milltown Park, Dublin 6.