Tánaiste Micheál Martin has commended the work of Co-operation Ireland in a powerful address delivered in Dublin this week.

Deputy Martin spoke of the charity’s pivotal role in fostering peace over the last 40 years and paid tribute to outgoing CEO Peter Sheridan.

The speech was delivered on Tuesday night (October 17) in The Merrion Hotel at a dinner held to raise awareness of Co-operation Ireland Future Leaders Programme, 

He was addressing an invited audience of business leaders from across Ireland and the UK who gathered in Dublin to learn more about the work of Co-operation Ireland.

Commenting on CI’s work, Deputy Martin pointed to the Department of Foreign Affairs funded Entwined Futures programme as an example of how education programmes can improve how different communities view each other.

“As well as supporting your projects focused on high-level relationship building and engagement, the Reconciliation Fund supports Co-operation Ireland’s ‘Entwined Futures’ project. 

“Over the last year hundreds of children, aged between 13 and 14, from both sides of the border, took part in workshops to develop the skills needed to engage with issues relevant to their communities.

“Addressing complex themes of citizenship, identity and sovereignty, participants gained an understanding of the need to consider alternative viewpoints. They learned how to discuss matters critically while remaining open-minded. 

“I see this as really important work because I believe we have seen a retreat in the quality of discourse in and about Northern Ireland, especially online.”

The Tánaiste went on to reference the 40 per cent increase in funding for reconciliation work in the recent budget, with the Reconciliation Fund now standing at over €7 million.  He said Co-operation Ireland is a valued partner in wider efforts to bring people together.

Reflecting on the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, Tánaiste Martin highlighted the challenges posed by Brexit and the importance of addressing the unfinished business of reconciliation. He underscored the urgency of nurturing peace, citing Co-operation Ireland’s significant role in this endeavour