Govt pledges €1m to fight sectarianism in the North

The Government has pledged over €1m for a new fund encouraging community projects tackling sectarianism in the North.

The fund was announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern during a visit to Belfast where he met US President George Bush’s advisor on the North, Paula Dobriansky.

Mr Ahern said grants would be given to support innovative programmes to tackle religious bigotry.

Welcoming the advances made since power sharing at Stormont was restored last May, the Foreign Minister said the political progress needed to be consolidated by addressing divisions on the ground.

“We have seen too often the horrific consequences of sectarian animosities and have an obligation to break down these barriers,” he said.

“If the benefits of the improved political climate are to be enjoyed by all, we have to ensure that people in Northern Ireland and throughout the island, irrespective of the tradition to which they belong, are encouraged to choose the path of tolerance and respect over discord and division.”

The €1m fund will be available for projects in the North this year which challenge sectarianism and intolerance and break down religious and cultural barriers.

Applications will be judged on the basis of whether they promote anti-sectarianism through education, dialogue and culture; whether they encourage tolerance and acceptance of cultural diversity; whether they extend knowledge and understanding of other cultures, beliefs, traditions; whether they reduce religious, social and cultural barriers; and whether they challenge stereotypes of one’s own or other communities and identities.

Mr Ahern said: “Of the challenges facing us, the battle against sectarianism is among the most pressing.

“It is a serious threat to society, one that all too often has fatal results.

“It is vital that we not only eliminate sectarianism but also that we begin to eradicate ways of thinking that allow sectarianism to flourish.

“The Irish Government is especially conscious of the important role that community based organisations play in combating sectarianism.

“The anti-sectarianism fund will serve as a dedicated resource to support new, innovative and more effective ways of addressing sectarianism and division in society.

“I would encourage groups and individuals with specific and actionable ideas to apply to my Department for funding under this scheme.”