26. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the shared island unit in his Department. [14896/26]

Sentiment score: 0.11

Funding for the shared island initiative - an initiative brought in by the Taoiseach in 2020 - increased by €1 billion in the last budget, which is very welcome. It has supported a wide range of projects, cultural and community groups and infrastructural projects, which the Taoiseach outlined his reply. As Chair of the Good Friday Agreement committee, I have seen first hand the benefit and improvements it has made and, indeed, the popularity of the funding itself. Some €100 million of the shared island fund is for a new multi-annual programmes that deepen co-operation and connections across the island. The Taoiseach mentioned sustainable tourism, nature restoration, the important Dublin-Derry airlink service and the shared island media fund. Thirteen new tourism projects were approved under the shared island coast to coast capital investment scheme worth €2.7 million. In sport, about which I have spoken to the Taoiseach previously, there is €1.9 million in funding under the shared island civic society fund. The sport element is so important to communities, reconciliation and a greater understanding across the island. It is something that we should be looking to fund further. Hopefully, in the Taoiseach's response, he might outline how best it can be done under the shared island funding.

Sentiment score: 0.54